Vitiligo — also called Leucoderma — is a pigmentation disorder that is marked by the appearance of irregular white patches on the skin. The disorder can affect the skin on any part of the body, generally starting with the hands, arms, face, lips, and feet. The disorder can also affect the hair and the inside of the mouth. Really Home Remedies for Vitiligo!
Vitiligo is essentially an autoimmune disorder, which results from the immune system’s reaction against the own organs or tissues of the patient’s body. In Vitiligo, the white patches appear on the skin because the immune system attacks and destroys the ‘melanocytes’ — the cells responsible for producing the skin pigment called ‘melanin.’
Vitiligo can affect people of any age, but it usually affects people below 20 years of age(1).
The exact cause behind the occurrence of Vitiligo is still not known to doctors. However, it is believed that the key Vitiligo Causes include hereditary factors (family history), or some ‘trigger’ event like sunburn, stress, or exposure to industrial chemicals.
The main Vitiligo Symptoms include patchy loss of skin color; premature greying of the hair on the scalp, beard, eyelashes, or eyebrows; loss of color in the tissues lining the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes); and change in color of the inner layer of the eyeball (retina).
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Vitiligo: Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, Vitiligo is referred to as ‘Shwitra.’
According to Ayurvedic texts, Vitiligo, as well as other autoimmune conditions, are a result of ‘virudhaaharsevan’ — that is, the consumption of foods which are opposite in nature, like fish and milk. Such eating habits can disturb the immune system because of the formation of toxins in the body. The disturbed immune system degenerates the pigment-producing melanocytes cells, thereby causing Vitiligo.
Ayurvedic experts believe that Vitiligo is a condition linked to the aggravation of Pitta in the body, specifically the BhrajakPittasub-type which gives coloration to the skin. In Vitiligo, the imbalance of BhrajakPittatriggersthe formation of ama, because of which the deeper body tissues, like rasa dhatu (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), lasika (lymph), and mamsa (muscles) are impaired. This eventually causes depigmentation or discoloration of theskin.
Home Remedies for Vitiligo
Natural Remedies for Vitiligo are mainly focused on restoring skin color and improving its appearance. Some of the commonly recommended Vitiligo treatments in modern medicine include sun safety advice, use of camouflage creams and topical corticosteroids. The impact of the Vitiligo treatments, however, are generally not permanent, and cannot always control the spread of the pigmentation disorder.
Besides the treatments in modern medicine, some Natural Remedies can be effective in managing Vitiligo and can protect the skin. Ten natural remedies have been listed below.
1. Including Zinc in the regular diet
People affected by Vitiligo should follow vitiligo cure diet, especially including foods that are high in zinc. The levels of zinc are low in Vitiligo patients, so it is important to supplement zinc requirements by the body because zinc can stimulate the healing process of the skin. Some of the zinc-rich foods include oysters, poultry, seafood, nuts, and whole grains.
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2. Foods rich in Vitamin C
Many Vitiligo patients also commonly have a Vitamin C deficiency. Hence, Natural Vitiligo Treatment should include foods which have an abundance of Vitamin C. Such foods include bell peppers, broccoli, Citrus fruits like orange,lemons, and grapefruits, as well as fruits like kiwi and strawberries. Best home remedies for vitiligo you should try.
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3. Drinking water from a Copper vessel
It is vital to keep the body sufficiently hydrated, in order to remain healthy and free from diseases. Vitiligo patients should ensure adequate intake of water, particularly water stored in a copper vessel. Drinking water from a copper vessel can benefit Vitiligo patients by increasing melanin in their body and managing the discoloration of the skin by reducing the whiteness of the patches.
4. Papaya
The papaya fruit has immense health benefits and is also known for its effectiveness in managing Vitiligo. The regular intake of papaya juice can replenish the body with the melanin cells which are lost due to Vitiligo. In addition, rubbing papaya pieces on white patches on the skin can also be very beneficial for the patients.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is also an excellent Vitiligo Natural Treatment because of the ability of turmeric to stimulate the pigmentation of the skin when used together with mustard oil. The application of turmeric and mustard oil paste to affected areas can gradually help reduce the white patches.
[Read: Best Benefits of Turmeric Water]
6. Red clay
Another natural remedy for Vitiligo is the use of red clay because of its rich copper content. The appearance of the white patches on the skin can be managed by Vitiligo patients by applying a mixture of red clay and ginger juice.
7. Basil leaves
Natural management of Vitiligo is also possible with the help of Basil leaves because of their proven anti-aging and anti-viral properties. The application of a mixture of basil-leaf juice and lime juice can facilitate the stimulation of melanin production, thereby benefitting Vitiligo patients.
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8. Walnuts
The use of walnuts can help the body in managing Vitiligo. Patients affected by the skin condition should eat around 5 walnuts daily, or apply a paste of crushed walnut powder and water on the discoloured areas of the skin to reduce patchiness.
9. Application of Black Cumin Oil
Applying beneficial herbal oils can also be effective in managing Vitiligo is a natural manner. One such oil is Black cumin (Nigellasativa) oil. This oil can improve skin color and reduce skin depigmentation because of the presence of ‘thymoquinone’ compound which is known for its protective actions against oxidative stress.
10. Reduction of stress
For managing Vitiligo naturally, it is also important to reduce stress levels because excessive stress can harm the body. Although stress is not one of the main factors behind the occurrence of Vitiligo, high stress levels can lead to the growth of patches that are the main characteristic of the skin disorder. So, stress levels must be controlled for managing Vitiligo.
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Conclusion
Ayurveda has highlighted the benefits of Natural Remedies for Skin Problems, including Vitiligo. As per Ayurveda, an autoimmune disorder such as Vitiligo can be managed with the help of immune system-boosting foods which contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, and beta-carotene. Some of these foods include apples, banana for vitiligo, figs, dates, chickpeas, and root vegetables like beets, carrots, and radish. Overall, natural remedies for Vitiligo can protect the skin and can be used safely, but it is still advisable to consult an Ayurveda practitioner for expert guidance in following the remedies.
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