What is Vitiligo: Signs, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

You must have seen people with white blotches on their skin. Although there may be many reasons for this, but the most common is vitiligo. It is defined as loss of skin color pigment. The rate of the color loss and its extend cannot be predicted and this condition can affect any of your body parts. Even hair, eyes and mouth are not forbidden by this disease.

What is Vitiligo

What is Vitiligo

The vitiligo may affect any skin type, however, people with dark complexions are more prone to it. This condition is not at all contagious or life threatening, but as it affects your appearance, it becomes a cause of embarrassment.

What are the Signs of Vitiligo

The common signs of vitiligo are skin discoloration, graying and whitening of hair. Eyebrows, eyelashes and beard. The tissues that lines the inside of the nose, inner layer of the eyeball and the inner of the mouth may also lose the color. Discolored patches can also be seen around navels, armpits, rectum and genitals.

Signs of Vitiligo

Signs of Vitiligo

This condition can affect individual of any age group, but usually it appears mostly in the people before the age of 20 years.

What are the Causes of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition where melanocytes either stop the production of the pigments or die. Mealocytes are the pigment cells that impart color to the eyes, hairs and skin. The exact reason why vitiligo occurs is not known. However, certain related causes that are considered responsible are immune system disorder, heredity, stress, sunburn and exposure to certain chemicals.

What is the Treatment of Vitiligo

Treatments are available that claims the restoration of skin tone and color, but the result is unpredictable and varies. There may be side effects of some treatments and thus your doctor usually suggests to improve your skin appearance first. After that, according to your condition drug therapy is suggested. The treatment may take several months to years to give you the desired result.

Treatment of Vitiligo

Treatment of Vitiligo

As we have discussed above that treatments may have serious side effects so you can try home remedies for vitiligo listed in this article.

Home Remedies for Vitiligo

Home Remedies for Vitiligo

Home Remedies for Vitiligo

1.Red clay

It has been found that red clay promotes the collages fibers. You must be wondering what is red clay. Red clay is obtained from the oceans. It is a natural product that cleans as well as revitalizes the skin. Mix a tablespoon of red clay and half teaspoon of ginger juice and apply this paste to the affected part. Repeat this every day.

Red clay

Red clay

2.Papaya

Papaya relieves the melanin cells and thus can be benefited in treating vitiligo. Make a habit to eat a bowl filled with papaya daily also rub ripe potato to the affected body part.

Papaya

Papaya

3.Honey

Since ages honey has been used to treat a lot of skin diseases. It is also effective in the case of vitiligo. Add a teaspoon of honey in a cup of water and drink it daily. Also apply honey to the affected part. Rinse it off after half an hour.

Honey

Honey

4.Pomegranate

Studies have found that an imbalance in the level of antioxidants may be linked with vitiligo. Pomegranate is a powerful source of antioxidants. It stimulates the production of collagen and hydrates the skin. Eat it daily to treat skin issues, including vitiligo.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate

5.Turmeric

Tumeric has healing and antiseptic properties. Research conducted on the use of turmeric to treat vitiligo has been found positive. Add 2 tablespoons of turmeric to a cup of mustard oil and apply the paste on the affected part every day before sleeping. Also add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of milk and drink it daily.

6.Holy Basil Leaves

Holy basil leaves contain antioxidants and also cures vitiligo. Extract the juice of holy basil leaves and add equal amount of lime juice to it. Apply this to the affected part regularly.

Holy Basil Leaves

Holy Basil Leaves

Besides the above home remedies reduce stress and make sure to have a balanced diet. Make a habit of applying sunscreen before going out in the sun. And always apply a moisturizer on your face

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.