Some patients see white patches on skin that appear on their skin, and they ask themselves, exactly what are they, and exactly what is the cause for them to appear?These white patches on skin are called vitiligo ,
Vitiligo is a skin condition which causes white patches on the skin. It is a chronic (long-term) condition in which occurs the destruction of melanocytes (cells responsible for making pigments). The areas of skin affected have very little or no melanin and this is why they are white in colour. Melanocytes in the skin, mucous membranes and the retina can be affected, meaning that patches can develop on various areas of the body. In most cases the hair which grows within patches of affected skin also become white.
Symptoms and signs of vitiligo
The major symptom of vitiligo is white patches on the skin (depigmentation). Patches tend to develop in areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as the arms, legs, lips, hands, feet and face. Other general areas include the armpits, groin, navel (tummy button), genitals, eyes and mouth.
There are three main patterns of depigmentation. The first, known as focal depigmentation, is restricted to a single or small number of areas on the skin. The second, known as segmental pattern, occurs when patches develop on a single side of the body. The third, known as general pattern vitiligo, affects many sections of the body and is the most common type of vitiligo.
Additional symptoms of vitiligo include premature greying of the hair on the scalp and beard, as well as the eyelashes and eyebrows. People who have darker skin may also notice that the tissue within their mouths appears lighter.
Home Remedies for Leucoderma
A home remedy with the help of Babchi and Tamarind seeds can be used for vitiligo. In 1:1 proportion steep these seeds in water for three to four days. Shell and dry them in shade. Make it into a paste and apply on the white patches.
Drink water from a copper vessel which has been kept overnight.
Ginger juice serves as a mild stimulant in increasing blood flow to the white patches.
Poultice of ginger leaves applied over the patches also helps.
Eat curry made of Bathu. Apply Bathu juice over the patches or spots at least twice or thrice a day.
Eat figs regularly for a month.
Dry pomegranate leaves in shade and grind into fine powder. Sieve it and take 8 gms of it every morning and evening with fresh water.
Eat walnuts regularly to cure leucoderma
Make a dry mixture by grinding Neem leaves, flowers and fruits in equal quantity. Take 1 tsp of this powder daily with water.
Combine 100 gms each of Alfalfa and cucumber juice. Have it in the morning and evening for few months.
Mix Harad powder in garlic juice and apply it on the white spots.
Drink butter milk, thought to be very useful for treating vitiligo.
Make black gram paste and apply it on the affected area for four months. This will be very fruitful in the fight against leucoderma.
Wash and clean a basil plant along with its roots. Beat the plant and boil it in 1/2 liter water mixed with 1/2 liter oil. Once the water evaporates, mash and strain to get basil oil. Apply this oil on the white spots.
