What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo  also known as leucoderma – is a skin condition in which white patches appear in different parts of the body, due to a lack of the pigment melanin. While the condition is neither infectious nor contagious it can cause distress and loss of confidence in the sufferer. Mainstream medicine maintains that there is no known cause or cure for vitiligo, generally the only vitiligo treatment offered is steroids or immunosuppressants to control the condition, which it considers to be an immune system disorder.

When the condition starts from the tip of an organ, such as the fingers, toes, lips, nose or genitals it tends to spread over a very wide area, compared to the development of random white patches on the skin which are generally less profuse.

Before vitiligo treatment: April 2003

According to Ayurveda, vitiligo is caused by a deficiency in Ranjak Pitta – one of the five types of Pitta, this type being responsible for the supply of pigmentation to the skin. Such a deficiency would indicate a liver problem as the liver controls all Pitta.

After vitiligo treatment:  July 2004

When I was about nine years old a family friend gave me an Ayurvedic journal to look at. It contained an article about vitiligo and the author maintained that the condition was due to a lack of copper, either as a result of a dietary deficiency or the inability to absorb the mineral. As copper can be highly toxic it has to be very specially prepared when used as a medicine but it is contained in trace amounts in many fruits and vegetables. It is now known from scientific research to be an essential component in the production of melanin.

In Ayurvedic vitiligo treatment both internal and external medicines are utilised, the emphasis being first on liver and blood purification. Diet is also addressed, and patients are advised to eat a variety of coloured foods. It is interesting to note that the colours of foods, such as carrots, beetroot and black grapes often resemble the colours of the organs which they are used to treat. In addition to liver problems vitiligo sufferers often have digestive problems and low immunity. During Ayurvedic treatment of all these issues the condition of the hair is often seen to improve.

If you are suffering from Vitiligo (leucoderma) or white patches on skin then Call Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre on 1300 552 260 to book your free 10 minute consultation.