Vitiligo | Chandigarh Ayurved & Panchakarma Centre

White spot is an acquired disorder of reduced skin pigmentation characterized by white spots and spots on various parts of the body, indicating the selective decay of melocytes. This condition affects all races around the world. Due to the defilement of cosmetics, many disdains are attached to it. This condition affects the quality of life of the person suffering from the disease and patients often suffer from psychological distress and low self esteem. They are often the victims of social neglect which makes them isolated from the society.

Inadequate knowledge and age misunderstanding are the major reasons for the undue apprehension associated with this condition. There is a misconception that the disease can be spread through contact. The white stain color is non-contagious and is not spread by contact. There are many myths surrounding the dietary habits as well. For example, people were afraid of eating sour food, fish, white food etc. and considered them to be the cause of white spots. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. In fact people belonging to different castes, religions and socio-economic groups with different dietary habits do not show any significant variation in any predisposition to disease.

Another myth that is related to this is that white spots and leprosy are one and the same. Kilasa or external leprosy (white spots) and leprosy were described together in Ayurveda and are believed to have the same science. The suffix ‘leprosy’ was used in Ayurveda for all skin diseases. However, it later became synonymous with “leprosy”. Similarly white spots were described in the Old Testament under the Jewish word ‘zora et’, which was translated in Greek and English as ‘lepra’, leading to confusion between white spots and leprosy.

The exact cause of white spots is unknown. A number of theories have been proposed, including genetic, autoimmune, neurological, biochemical, autocytotoxic phenomena and a hypothesis based on the theory of antioxidant deficiency. Stress, the focus of infection, and poor dark-colored cell (melanocytes) migration may also contribute to disease genesis. The incidence of the disease is familial with an incidence of 1.56-34%. Genetic studies suggest a role for acquired factors for polygenic multifactorial inheritance and its pathogenetic expression. White spots can be associated with several autoimmune conditions such as diabetes, loss of hair in the form of visible patches (alopecia areata), pernicious anemia (pernicious anemia), Addison’s disease (disease in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones) , and has been linked with thyroid diseases.

The course of the disease is unpredictable and uncertain, although it usually shows a tendency to progress slowly. In the absence of a clear understanding of the cause and progression of an uncommon disease (ATO pathogenesis), there is no precise treatment.

Many times we fall prey to such a disease, due to which we have to face many problems, and 37-year-old model Roger Monte of Brazil struggles with similar problems. Actually, they are suffering from Vitiligo i.e. white spot disease in the body, due to which they are not able to get the equality which they really deserve in our society. Not only this, Roger tells that people avoid sitting next to him in the bus only because they do not get this disease too. So let’s know about this disease in detail.

What is this disease?

Vitiligo, which we also call the problem of white spots, is a type of skin disease. In this disease, white spots are formed in many parts of the body. These can be in any part of the body. It looks like someone has removed the foreskin from the upper part of the person’s body, but in reality this is not the case. There are many misconceptions in the minds of people regarding this disease that this disease spreads from one person to another, but it does not happen.

For what reasons can this disease occur?

Behind the occurrence of this disease, doctors believe that when the immune system of our body starts harming our own body, then it happens. In this disease, the melanocyte cells in the body, that is, the color-forming cells in the skin, are destroyed or stop working. Because of this, the color of the skin and hair starts to lighten or turn white. Apart from this, if someone in the parents of a person has this disease, then two to four percent of the people can get this disease.

What are the symptoms?

There are many symptoms of this disease, from which it can be recognized. The first and earliest symptom of this is that the color of the skin of the person starts fading and the hair also starts turning white at the same place. At the same time, if any part of the body turns white and after that you get hurt and that part also turns white, then this is a symptom by which you can understand that this disease is spreading rapidly in your body. Apart from this, sensitivity to sunlight, small white spots near the navel, groin, genitals and rectal area etc. are its symptoms.

Read Also: LEUCODERMA/VITILIGO

These are the ways to avoid white spots

According to Ayurveda, to avoid this disease, the patient should first keep water in a copper vessel for eight hours, and then drink it. Carrots, soybeans, pulses, green leafy vegetables should be consumed. Along with this, the vegetable of bitter gourd should be consumed more and more. Soap and detergent should also be used sparingly. The treatment of this disease is possible in allopathy, homeopathy and Ayurveda. Doctors treat it with the help of medicines, therapy and surgery. Therefore, the biggest remedy for this is that whenever you have symptoms of this disease, you should immediately contact the doctor.

Some of the preventive measures that one can take to protect themselves are:

Adopt a healthy and nutritious diet – It is recommended to consume a nutritious diet rich in adequate protein, vitamin B-complex, vitamin E and minerals like copper, zinc as well as iron. These nutrients can be obtained from eggs, green leafy vegetables, milk products, almonds, legumes, pulses and poultry. A diet rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, almonds and seeds may also be helpful.

Avoid excessive stress – Too much stress, anxiety and mental pressure can make the condition worse.

Avoid soaps and detergents that contain strong chemicals – it is advisable to minimize the use of soaps and detergents containing phenolic compounds. Also avoid exposure to rubber goods and chemical substances that are known to be harmful to the eyes, hair, or tissue or organ growth (melanization).

White spots can be treated through various treatment options such as phototherapy, surgery, cosmetic camouflage and bleaching. However it is not always successful and may recur and spread continuously throughout the lifetime. Some studies have also suggested the inclusion of psycho-social interventions and counseling in the treatment of white spots. Counseling can have a positive effect on the course of white spots. In short, improving the quality of life of white spot patients requires knowledge about status and social acceptance.

Home remedies for Vitiligo

There may be a certain condition of nutrients that is deficient in the human body, causing vitiligo. But there is no evidence that eating certain foods can prevent or improve vitiligo.

People try some remedies for vitiligo at home, but have found no evidence that it can be cured:

Gingko Biloba Paste
Turmeric and Mustard Oil Mixture
Lemon and Sweet Basil Extract Blend

Although there is no prescribed diet for vitiligo, these things can be eaten for prevention:

Fruits- Banana, Apple
leafy green vegetables such as kale or romaine lettuce
chickpeas
Root vegetables such as beets, carrots or radishes
figs and dates