What are White Patches?
White Patches are loss of skin colour in blotches as a result of the disease ‘Leucoderma’, which is commonly known as Vitiligo. It occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. The extent and rate of pigment loss in Vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of the body. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with a dark complexion.
In a general sense, Vitiligo can be divided into 3 segments with respect to the appearance of white patches.
• Focal – Pigment loss occurs in a single or few well-defined areas
• Segmental – Discolouration takes place in only one side of the body
• Generalized – Widespread colour loss; it may cover the entire body
White Patches affect both men and women. They may appear at any age, but the onset of this condition is generally observed between the age of 20 and 30 years. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. Majority of the victims of Vitiligo have normal skin sensation and texture and are otherwise completely healthy.
What causes vitiligo?
Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin.
Ayurvedic View of Vitiligo
In Ayurveda, Vitiligo is called ‘Shwetakusta or Shwitra‘. It is caused by the aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas in your skin, muscles, blood, lymph, and udaka (the watery element in your body).
Miracle Ayu opens the door for the ayurveda treatment of Vitiligo
- Bakuchi (Psoralea Corylifolia): Bakuchi is the most commonly used ayurvedic medication for reducing the Vitiligo. It slowly and gradually decreases the appearance of the white patches and rejuvenates the skin. Powders of different ayurvedic herbs like khadir (skin) powder, chitrak (root) powder, jatamansi (root) powder and aamalaki (fruit) powder. This ayurvedic powder plus Phototherapy (natural) and panchakarma gives high results in vitiligo patients.
- Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia): The patients who are really anxious for Vitiligo and looking for the permanent cure than they can rely on Manjistha. This herb possesses several strong properties that are beneficial in the management of various diseases including Vitiligo. It helps to restore the normal skin color and prevents the progress of the skin.
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem has various antioxidant properties that help to reduce the symptoms of vitiligo by destroying the free radicals in the body. It can also protect melanocytes against the damage caused due to the free radicals and prevent Vitiligo from worsening.
- Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula): Haritaki is another commonly used ayurvedic medicine for Vitiligo or Leucoderma. It removes the free radicals that cause damage to the melanocytes and acts as an antioxidant. Patients suffering from Vitiligo can also face depression and anxiety that can also be preventing by Haritaki. Thus, to use haritaki is highly recommended in the severe cases of Vitiligo. The patients who are at higher risk of developing psychological complications should opt for Haritaki.
- Giloe (Tinospora Cordifilia): Giloe is the best treatment for not merely Vitiligo but also for many small and big health issues. You can find it readily nearby your homes and rural areas. It prevents the destructions of the melanocytes by the immune cells which help to minimize the symptoms of Vilitigo.
- Khadira (Acacia Catechu): People often think and ask the question is the disease curable in early stages? The answer is yes, it can be cure with the help of herb Khadira. This herb is the best remedy to cure the disease if it is the initial stage of the disease. This herb has the potential to reduce the white patches present on the skin and helps to cure it as soon as possible if using it on a regular basis.