Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation of the skin. Melanocytes, the pigment cells, within the skin are destroyed. This causes these parts of the skin to lose color and turn pale. It might affect different parts of the body including the arms, legs, face and even genitalia. It can affect a person of any age, ethnicity or gender.

Causes
The exact cause of vitiligo is not definitively known. However, there are a number of risk factors that might contribute towards the condition. These include-

Autoimmune disorders- Vitiligo might be a result of an autoimmune disorder where the overactive immune system destroys the pigment cells of the skin.
Exposure to Chemicals- Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of vitiligo by causing depigmentation.
Hereditary factors- There might be a genetic pre-disposition towards vitiligo. Though a person can exhibit symptoms of the condition at any age, it is most commonly found to manifest itself around the age of 20 years.
Symptoms
Vitiligo may start with a simple spot of pale skin but over time, this spot expands and turns paler until it is white in color. Irregular in shape, the edges of these spots may inflame and cause itchiness.

Treatment
The treatment of vitiligo will be determined by a number of factors such as the number and the extent of the white patches and where they are located. Vitiligo treatment includes cosmetic, medical and surgical methods.

Cosmetic Treatment- Cosmetic and skincare products such as sunscreens, dye or makeup can help relieve and hide signs of the condition.
Medical Treatment- Oral medication or medicated ointments may be prescribed to treat Vitiligo. Photochemotherapy which involves the use of PUVA rays to induce re-pigmentation may also be prescribed. If the condition has spread to a considerable extent then the physician might advise that the color from the remaining areas of the skin also be removed in order to match the affected areas.
Surgical Treatment- Surgical treatments are at times prescribed which involve skin grafting or tattooing. This is usually prescribed for those with small patches of affected areas.
With ongoing and extensive research being conducted on this skin condition, we will in the near future be able to both understand and treat it better.

Vitiligo - What Causes It and How Can It Be Treated?

Vitiligo is a medical condition, which causes the loss of skin color due to loss of pigmentation. This usually occurs in blotches and looks very unsightly. Vitiligo is very unpredictable and can affect any part of your body. In some cases it also affects the inside of the mouth, eyes, and hair. Vitiligo is more noticeable on people with darker skin tone.

Symptoms of Vitiligo:

Premature graying or whitening of the hair in your eyebrows, eyelashes, scalp, and beard. This usually occurs before the age of 35.
Skin discoloration can also occur from other parts of the body such as hands, feet, abdomen, neck and other areas.
Change or loss of the color of the retina (inner layer on the eyeball).
Discolored patches on and around the navel, rectum and genitals.
What causes vitiligo?

A medical disorder where your immune system destroys and attacks the melanin forming pigments in your skin. This is known as an autoimmune disorder and by far is the most common cause behind vitiligo. An event such as sudden or prolonged stress, sunburn, or being exposed to industrial chemicals. A history of family members or relatives having vitiligo in the past.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Vitiligo:

Mustard and Turmeric Oil: A paste made with mustard and turmeric oil can be applied on the affected area. This is also good for the skin and reduces vitiligo. Do this at least 2 times a day to reduce the patches considerably.
Duckweed: This is a type of water plant and is very rich in a mineral called lignin. It is considered a natural treatment for skin disorders and vitiligo. It will also help to restore your natural skin color.
Sun screen: If you already have vitiligo, exposure in the sun can make it worse, so applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above (or an appropriate level of sunscreen protection) can protect your skin from further damage.
Papaya: This fruit is great for restoring and reviving melanin (responsible for skin pigmentation). Drinking papaya juice or rubbing papaya on the affected area can reduce vitiligo to some extent.

Vitiligo - 4 Ayurvedic Preparations for Treating it 

Vitiligo is a long term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. The patches of skin affected become white and usually have sharp margins. The hair from the skin may also become white. Although this disease is not life threatening or contagious, the disfigurement of vitiligo can be devastating to its sufferers, especially the ones with darker skin tone.

There are certain treatment options that can help.

Topical preparations of immune suppressing medications, creams and steroids are considered to be first-line vitiligo treatments.
Next option is to expose the affected skin to UVB lamps with the phototherapy treatment at home or get the Ultra violet (UVA) treatment at a hospital.
In extreme cases of extensive vitiligo the option to de-pigment the unaffected skin may be considered to render the skin an even colour.
However, in mild cases, vitiligo patches can be hidden with makeup or other cosmetic camouflage solutions. If the affected person is pale skinned, the patches can be made less visible by avoiding tanning of the unaffected skin.
Camouflage Treatment In Vitiligo
Camouflage is derived from the French word,  Camoufler  which means  to blind  or  veil . Also known as protective concealment, it means to disguise an object in plain view, for the purpose of concealing it from something or someone. Cosmetic camouflage is the application of make-up creams and/or powders to conceal color or contour irregularities or abnormalities of the face or body. It was pioneered during the Second World War to help pilots who were badly burnt by making use of plastic surgery and camouflage cream. These creams did not camouflage the person but were used to conceal blemishes on the skin so that they were not obvious. This kind of remedial cosmetic skin camouflage is defined as being the  the art of concealing a discoloration, blemish or scar with the application of specialist camouflage creams that are matched to the surrounding skin tone.  Nowadays, it is used to conceal abnormalities from various dermatological disorders, especially vitiligo.

Types of Camouflage
Camouflage may be permanent or temporary.

Remedial cosmetic cover creams help conceal the blemish of vitiligo at least temporarily. A high concentration of pigment is incorporated into water free or anhydrous foundations to give a color that matches the patient s skin, thereby concealing vitiligo patches.
Permanent camouflage is obtained with a cosmetic tattoo. Unlike pigments used for ritual or symbolic tattoos, cosmetic tattoos are inert iron oxides that are available in more than 15 shades. The color is implanted into the dermal layer with specialized techniques and cannot be washed off.
Camouflage improves the appearance of the individual, as the focus is no longer on the discoloration that the person wishes to hide, thereby improving their confidence and self-esteem. This makes camouflage the most popular treatment option in vitilgo.

Camouflage Treatment In Vitiligo!

Alternative medicine is fast picking up with its beneficial treatment for several skin disorders. Vitiligo or patchy skin is a common skin problem that can be effectively treated by the ancient Unani system of medicine.

What is vitiligo?
Also referred to as leucoderma, it is a patchy loss of skin colour that occurs due to acquired depigmentation of the skin. The absence of skin cells called melanocytes leads to nonproduction of the melanin pigment and as a result, manifests itself as patchy skin in several parts of the body. It can affect any area of the body including the face, neck, back, hands, and legs.

Unfortunately, conventional medicine has not been able to discover a full-proof treatment for this skin disorder, except for surgical intervention. Thanks to the yesteryear s Unani medicine system, which has its foundations in the ancient Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian medicine, certain herbal formulations help to treat conditions of vitiligo or leucoderma. The Unani system of medicine aims to create the right balance in the body by stabilizing the four humours   blood, phlegm, yellow bile and black bile, which constitute insulin, hormones and other fluid releases.

Herbal powder and capsules are prescribed for the patient s consumption depending on the severity of the disorder.
Herbal ointment for external application   The affected individual must apply the topical ointment or balm before 10:00 am and then expose it to sunlight for around 10 to 15 minutes. After that, it should be shown back in shade and kept for one hour before washing it off.
Diet for vitiligo
Certain food items like banana, beef, sea food, poultry, citrus foods, pickles and dairy products are to be restricted during treatment. Foods with excessive tamarind and cashew nuts are also to be avoided. Recommended food includes all vegetables, fruits, eggs, and organic chicken.

How effective is Unani in treating vitiligo?
For years together, Unani compound formulations for systemic as well as topical usage are catering to the needs of patients. It helps to treat and induce re-pigmentation. There are several treatment modalities available to control the spreading of the disease and minimize the chances of a relapse of the skin condition.

There have been no reported side effects of Unani medicines and they are well tolerated even after prolonged use. It usually takes about 2 to 3 months to see a visible improvement of the condition. The disease tends to become stable after regaining pigmentation.

The Central Research Institute of Unani Medicine located in Hyderabad, India has taken several measures to eradicate Vitiligo. While conventional medicine does try to offer remedies to treat vitiligo, Unani medicine offers a cost-effective approach that is more promising.

Best Unani Medicine for Vitiligo Treatment

Vitiligo is a type of skin disorder. It is an autoimmune disease in which the melanin cell stops functioning or starts dying, and forms blotches on the skin. It can affect any part of the skin. It may also affect the inside of the mouth and hair.

There are many treatments available to restore the pigmentation of the skin. However, one of the most trusted and reliable treatments is described in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, there are tons of ways available in the house. By using these remedies, one can easily and adequately treat Vitiligo without any side effects. In Ayurveda, Mustard oil is one of the most significant remedies. Mustard oil is very beneficial to heal this type of skin disease.

Know More About Mustard Oil:

Mustard oil is extracted from the mustard seed by the process of steam distillation. The connotations of this oil may vary depending upon the part of the world the mustard seed is coming from. In some countries, mustard oil is only used for massage purposes. However, in many countries, it is considered edible. In both cases, mustard oil has millions of medicinal values and health benefits.  

Nutritional Value of Mustard Oil:

Mustard oil is packed with all the nutrients of the mustard seed. In 1 litre of mustard oil, there are 844 calories. Mustard oil has a total fat content of 100 grams which includes 21 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, and 59 grams monounsaturated fat. It has zero content of sodium, carbohydrates, and protein. It also contains some important fatty acids such as  linoleic, oleic, and erucic acid along with some important substance called Allyl isothiocyanate, that has several health benefits.

Benefits of Mustard Oil:

There are many health and medicinal benefits of mustard oil. Some of them are:

Mustard essential oil improves blood circulation.

Mustard oil helps in digestion by keeping the digestive system intact.

Mustard oil boosts appetite and makes a person feel full.

Mustard essential oils fight bacterial infections.

Mustard essential oils prevent fungal infections.

Mustard oil repels insects.

Mustard oil is good for hair.

It is also beneficial for many orthopaedic problems like arthritis, lumbar pain, cervical pain, vertigo, etc.

Mustard is also used for the treatment of Vitiligo.

How Is Mustard Oil Used To Treat Vitiligo?

Mustard oil is one of the most popular home remedies used to heal Vitiligo. It helps in producing intense melanoid pigments and one can observe pigment initiation within 10 days. Regular use of mustard oil in food, massaging, or in the form paste will help to treat this skin disorder.

According to a recent study, mustard or mustard oil has enormous therapeutic potential for treating Vitiligo. Paste of mustard oil and turmeric will help intensify the pigments of the skin.  

Take Away:

There are many home remedies available used to cure Vitiligo and mustard oil is one such ingredient. It is the most popular and scientifically proven method for the treatment of Vitiligo. However, it is best to consult a dermatologist or physician before opting for any of these remedies. Everyone s skin and internal function is different and hence it is better to always go for the options which are prescribed for better and safe result.

How Is Mustard Oil Beneficial In Vitiligo Treatment?

The main pigment responsible for the hair and skin color is melanin. Melanocytes are the cells involved in the formation of melanin. Vitiligo is a dermatological condition (depigmentation) characterized by white spots or patches that appear in the body. Lack or absence of melanin is often responsible for the appearance of the white patches. Improper functioning or destruction of the melanocytes may interfere with the cell's ability to produce melanin. The condition can also affect your hair, scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, resulting in their premature graying or whitening.

Vitiligo can be localized (only one or very few body parts are affected), generalized (affecting many body parts) or segmented (the condition affects only one side of the body). An autoimmune condition such as Diabetes (Type-1) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis may trigger the destruction of the melanocytes. Vitiligo may also be a hereditary condition. In some cases, stress or exposure to harmful chemicals may be responsible for the destruction of the melanocytes.

While many people confuse vitiligo with leucoderma, there is a small difference between the two. Like vitiligo, the white watches in leucoderma appear due to the destruction of the melanocytes. However, the destruction of the melanocytes in the case of leucoderma may result from an accident, a cut, burn or tear.

When it comes to the treatment, many people prefer homeopathy over conventional treatments and medications. Being natural with negligible or no side effects are the main USP of homeopathic treatment. People with vitiligo and leucoderma have benefitted immensely from the treatment. The treatment may not provide you with immediate results, but it is worth your time and patience. Most of the homeopathic medicines activate the melanocytes. This activation triggers the formation of the melanin, thereby resulting in re-pigmentation.

The following homeopathic medicines are very effective against vitiligo and leucoderma.

Silicea 30: Silicea 30 is helpful for people with a sensitive skin that appears waxy and pale. In such patients, the patches or spots are not typically white but slightly rose-colored. There is extensive sweating of the hands and feet. The fingertips also appear cracked with brittle nails.
Arsenic Album: In some patients with vitiligo or leucoderma, the skin may appear dry and rough. In addition to the white patches, a person may complain of exhaustion and asthma (not in all patients). The person may show signs of extreme restlessness and anxiety. They freak out over cleanliness and neatness. Such patients benefit immensely from Arsenic Album.
Calcarea Carb is used to treat vitiligo where the patches appear milky white in color. There may be a weakness in the bones as well.
Sepia: Sepia is used when people with vitiligo distant themselves from their families and loved ones.
Nitric Acid 30 is used in the case of the white spots appearing at the mouth, nipples, nose, eyes, penis, vulva (mucous junctions).


Also, Sulfur, Psoralea Coryl 3X, Staphysagria, Borax, are equally helpful in treating vitiligo and leucoderma. To play it safe, use the medicines only after consulting a specialist. Self-medication may not be a wise idea.

Vitiligo And Leucoderma - Homeopathy Remedies Help In Treating Them?

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