Effective Herbal Remedies for Vitiligo

Have you ever seen someone with white patches all over their skin? Well, that happens when some part of your skin loses its pigmentation, resulting in discoloration. This condition is known as vitiligo, which in Hindi means ‘फुलवेरी’. Around the globe, 1% of the population suffer from vitiligo. It generally starts from the hands, forearms, feet, and face. It happens when the melanocytes (cells that provide pigment in the body) function is disrupted and it further results in depigmentation. There is no need to worry as this health disorder is not contagious at all. However, it can become socially challenging for those suffering from it. This blog contains details on Vitiligo disease and the effective Ayurvedic cure for Vitiligo one can adopt to overcome it.

Understanding Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. In this medical condition, the skin starts to lose its natural tone and develops white patches or macules. The theory behind this condition is simple. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks its healthy tissues, similarly, the skin cells called melanocytes get destroyed and Vitiligo occurs in the body. The skin disease began in the hands, feet, forearms, and face spreading to the whole body.

Vitiligo and Leucoderma- Do you also consider it the same?

The majority of the population considers Vitiligo and Leucoderma the same. But let me tell you it is not. Both have identical symptoms but the origin of these diseases are different. Vitiligo appears automatically on the skin as it is an autoimmune disease whereas leucoderma happens after an accident. The accident can be a burn, allergy, infection, or trauma.

Vitiligo Types

Vitiligo has 3 different forms:

1. Segmental- This Vitiligo type appears with fast-growing white patches on the skin which stop after 6-12 months. It generally turns up on one side of the body part such as the leg, arm, or face. 
2. Non-segmental Vitiligo-  The white patches observed on both sides of the body are non-segmental vitiligo. The speed of growth is less than the segmental type and areas exposed to the sun like the face, hands, and neck are the common body parts for non-segmental vitiligo. 
3. Mixed Vitiligo- Though rare, this type comes out to be both segmental and non-segmental vitiligo.

Symptoms and Causes

We often come across Vitiligo patients but never thought what could be behind their condition. Why are they different from normal people? Or why the skin tone has white patches? Let us resolve the theory and know about the reasons behind it. 

• Low Melanin pigment- This pigment is responsible for giving color to our skin. The melanocyte cells are unable to produce enough melanin, and thus Vitiligo occurs.
• Wrong Dietary Choices- Skin is the reflection of what we eat. Therefore, wrong food choices such as junk, processed, non-vegetarian, and sugary items taken in excess amounts can develop this disease. 
• Imbalance in Doshas-  The body doshas namely Vata, Pita, and Kapha when get unstable in the body result in impurification of blood (Rakta Dushtikaran). Due to this, the body develops different skin diseases (Kushtha Roga) which also include Vitiligo. 
• Genetically driven- Vitiligo is a hereditary disease meaning, it is passed from generation to generation. The younger generation is more likely to have this disease if parents or other blood-related family members have it. 
  
• Immune system negative reaction- As an Autoimmune reaction, the immune system attacks the body's healthy melanocyte cells which results in Vitiligo. 

The symptoms to identify Vitiligo disease are:

• Loss of Skin color- The primary symptom observed in Vitiligo is the discoloration of skin. Pure white patches on the skin appear, which can be pale in the beginning. 
• Loss of natural hair color- Vitiligo not only affect the skin but hair also. The cells when are unable to produce melanin are present under the hairy skin, turning the hair grey or white. Not only the head but hair of eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, and overall body get affected. 
• Mucous Membrance changes- The tissues inside the mouth and mucous membrane (nose) also lose their color and turn white.
• Sunburns- Vitiligo skin is sensitive to environmental factors. Many of you may not know that white patches of skin when exposed to the sun have a high chance of developing sunburns. It is so because the skin has already lost its pigmentation which protects from the sunlight. 
• Loss of Hearing- The color-giving cells, melanocytes are present in the ears also. When Vitiligo occurs, it affects these cells in the ear and impairs a person's hearing ability. It is rare, yet a symptom to keep in mind while taking treatment and precautions.  
• Skin Itching- The patches on the skin also itches sometimes when it is actively spreading. The white skin patches do not cause any discomfort but itching can happen sometimes.

Risk Factors

1. In a recent study, it was found that there are 2 age groups where the vitiligo risk peaks. That is 0-9 years and 60-69 years.
   
2. Other autoimmune diseases usually trigger the risk of developing vitiligo.
   
3. Having frequent direct contact with phenol-containing chemicals, that are found in detergents, normally increases the risk.
   

What Type of Viruddha Ahara causes Vitiligo

In Ayurveda, we suggest each of our patients and other individuals to understand what diet suits the best to their personal body prakriti. This will do wonders for your body in enormous ways. However, below is a short list of wrong food combinations that can worsen your vitiligo. One must understand the right way of consuming different food items and never risk their health for just a little taste.

1. Milk and Fish
   
2. Fruit and Dairy
   
3. Tomatoes and Starchy food
   
4. Lemon and Milk
   
5. Cucumber and Milk
   
6. Yogurt and Fish
   
7. Beans and Cheese
   

Natural Treatment of Vitiligo: Herbal Remedies

Since ancient times, herbal products of different nature and effects have been used for the natural care of vitiligo. We are here to share the majority of those effective remedies with you. This way one can understand the importance and power of Ayurvedic treatment. Rather than opting for light therapies or cosmetic surgeries, why not shift to our age-old natural medicinal system Ayurveda? Here are some of the herbs considered as Ayurveda medicine for Vitiligo are:

Cucumis Melo

Cucumis Melo is a scientific name for musk melon. In India, it is more commonly known as ‘खरबूजा’. Vitiligo patients are mostly recommended cucumis Melo as it stops the deconstruction of melanocytes and balances them as per the requirement of the body. This is because of the antioxidants present in them. It helps stop the oxidative stress that is said to be the main cause of this deconstruction of pigment-producing cells.
There are various ways in which it can be incorporated into one’s routine. For topical application, musk melon extract with some other ingredients infused together works effectively. The other way is oral consumption which works the best for you under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert only.

Green Tea

Green tea is not just a drink for weight loss. It has some amazing qualities beyond that. It contains catechins which are antioxidants that will reduce oxidative stress as well as improve your skin condition. The second best advantage of green tea for vitiligo patients is that it will reduce internal inflammation and balance the dysfunction of the cells. 
If you consume green tea regularly, it will slow the speed of the spread of vitiligo in the body. Else, topical application may help reduce itching, irritation, and discomfort caused by long exposure to the sun.

Picrorhiza kurroa

It is a slightly bitter herb that has been used for human health treatments for a long time. It has hepatoprotective properties. 
It is an Ayurvedic herb. Picrorhiza kurroa is the scientific name, and kutaki is its general name. It is the most recommendable herb for vitiligo patients because it may help with repigmentation of the skin in vitiligo. This has been proven by some studies. Just like other herbs or remedies, it can also be incorporated orally or topically. Your health expert will recommend the right way for you after analyzing your skin and condition in and out. 

Neem

It is also known as Indian lilac. We all know how beneficial neem is for human health. Neem products are super famous in the market for healthy and glowing skin. Think of how effective it will be when retained in its natural form. That is why everyone prefers Ayurveda as it knows to use a beneficial herb in such a way where chemicals have no space and herbs show their natural effective qualities to heal. 
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are found in neem. Neem oil or neem leaf paste can be simply applied to the affected area. This will calm the skin and treat vitiligo. 

Fossil Tree

It is the scientific name of the maidenhair tree. It is one of the oldest trees on earth. Its leaves and seeds are till date largely used for medicinal purposes. Ginkgo extracts have shown effective results in various treatments. For the last few years, it has been used for the treatment of vitiligo skin disease as well. It seems to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties for the health of human beings. Data from various studies have proven its efficiency in controlling vitiligo. 

Aloe Vera

It is known to facilitate the patients suffering from vitiligo by cooling off the skin and relieving the inflammation with its properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to the vitiligo white patches on the skin helps calm the irritation and promotes fast healing. 
Aloe vera can be consumed orally as well. Either in the form of aloe vera juice, or aloe vera extract. This will help treat the condition from the inside. That is, it will fight the root cause causing vitiligo symptoms. 

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric. We Indians already know the benefits turmeric holds in recovering from an injury or health problem. Consuming it in various ways like turmeric paste, turmeric water, and turmeric milk will show you the desired results for improvement and healing. 
Just like other herbs, turmeric also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which will help heal and balance the skin cells.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips to take care of yourself during Vitiligo.

• Protect your sensitive skin from sunburns as it damage the skin more aggressively. Try to wear full clothes to shield yourself from the scorching sunlight. 
• It is quite obvious that Vitiligo can increase the stress levels. Also, it may be difficult to accept the white-colored patches on the skin. Therefore, to combat stress, practice yoga, and meditation and perform healthy exercises. 
• Healthy food is no less than a medicine. So, eat a balanced diet containing essential nutrients like fruits and vegetables that promote skin health. 
• Visit the skin specialists regularly. It will help you to analyze the situation and doctors can provide a suitable line of treatment. In further stages, a regular medical checkup will play a vital role in the recovery. 
• Try to determine and avoid the triggering points of Vitiligo. 
• Last but not least, try to stay positive. Your skin should not lower your confidence in any way. Therefore, keep a positive look towards yourself and never let your self-esteem get down.
  

The Bottom Line

To sum up, cure for vitiligo in Ayurveda has great positive effects on numerous patients as it focuses on increasing melanin production and normalizing skin color. Vitiligo disease does not harm the physical body but affects mental health negatively. It may lower your confidence or make you uncomfortable in public. Therefore, a treatment is must to live a happy, healthy life. Above mentioned are some tips to be followed during vitiligo, as they help to speed up the recovery process. But these remedies do not ask you to leave the current medication or to seek any other treatment. You must carefully ask the skin specialists before implementing them. Contact Dr. Sharda Ayurveda Hospital for any queries as a team of expert doctors are always available to treat you with utmost care.