Common Myths And Facts About Vitiligo : Ayurveda view

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Common Myths And Facts About Vitiligo :

In today’s social media era there are a lot of mis- conceptions revolving around vitiligo, a condition characterised by milky-white patches on the skin. Since misconceptions give rise to doubts and false beliefs, knowing the right facts can help.

We will discuss  9 such myths and facts about vitiligo.

Myth 1: Vitiligo and leucoderma are the same :

Fact: Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that appears without any pre-existing conditions. While on the other hand, leucoderma is a symptom or an after-effect of conditions or diseases such as vitiligo, lichen sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, post-traumatic scarring, etc. It is a visible result of epidermal melanin (skin pigment) loss.

Myth 2: Consumption of certain foods causes vitiligo.

Fact: No. Over many years, a lot of people have believed that eating white coloured food items or sour foods like citrus ,However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the above theory.

Moreover, there is no evidence to prove that diet has an impact on the severity of the condition. Vitiligo is known to occur with the same incidence across all populations with different dietary habits.

Myth 3: Vitiligo is contagious.

Fact: No, it is not contagious. It does not spread through close contact, touch, sharing personal items, saliva, etc.

It is not related to disorders such as leprosy, albinism or skin cancer (also known as melanoma).

Myth 4: Vitiligo is 100% curable.

Fact: Can’t say. It is an unpredictable condition. The treatment is difficult, slow and not all patients respond similarly. There are different types of vitiligo with varying percent of durability.

The segment type usually responds to surgical treatment and can be considered as completely cured, though more long-term studies are needed to prove this. The generalized type is expected to recur and a 100% cure rate cannot be guaranteed.

Myth 5: Vitiligo is very hard to diagnose.

Fact : Vitiligo is a fairly straightforward clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the characteristic features of the skin lesions (hypo pigmented , non-scaly, chalky white macules with distinct margins and of typical distribution pattern).

A ‘wood’s lamp’ examination is often used to facilitate the diagnosis of vitiligo. A skin biopsy can be done though not necessary to exclude other possible causes.

Often your doctor may recommend a few laboratory tests such as thyroid function test and TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies) levels as most vitiligo patients also happen to suffer from a thyroid disorder.

Myth 6 : Vitiligo is uncommon in the Indian population.

Fact: Vitiligo, an autoimmune disease, has an incidence rate of 0.25 to 2.25% all over India with peak onset of symptoms in individuals younger than 21 years of age.

Myth 7 : Vitiligo sufferers are inferior in physical or mental capabilities.

Fact: Vitiligo is an exclusive skin disorder and is in no way related to physical or mental dysfunctionality.

Myth 8: All white patches are vitiligo.

Fact : No, all white patches are not vitiligo. There is a big list of all white spot disorders. A few possible causes of white patches are- nevus, post-burns, leprosy, tinea versicolor (fungal infection), etc.  

Myth 9 : Genetics plays an important role in vitiligo.

Fact: Yes, a few studies in India and worldwide have reported a strong association between family history of autoimmune diseases (such as vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anaemia, etc.) and occurrence of white patches . (up to 30% of cases based on the degree of relation).

Understanding Ayusanjivani Ayurveda’s Approach :

Ayurveda views white patches as a result of an imbalance in the body’s doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas govern various functions within the body, and when their equilibrium is disrupted, health issues like vitiligo can manifest. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance these doshas to bring about healing.

1.Herbal Remedies :

Ayurveda relies heavily on the use of herbs to treat various ailments, and vitiligo is no exception. Some commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic vitiligo treatment include:

a. Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia): Also known as Babchi, this herb is well-regarded for its ability to stimulate pigmentation in the skin. It is often used in oil or powder form and applied topically to the affected areas.

b. Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem has potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for skin health. It is used both externally as a paste and internally to cleanse the body.

c. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric’s curcumin compound has antioxidant properties and helps reduce inflammation. Incorporating turmeric into the diet or applying it as a paste can aid in vitiligo management.

2.Panchakarma :

Panchakarma is an integral part of Ayurvedic therapy, involving detoxification and rejuvenation of the body. While not a direct treatment for white patches , Panchakarma helps in flushing out toxins and balancing doshas, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of other treatments.

3.Diet and Lifestyle :

Ayurveda places immense emphasis on dietary and lifestyle changes to address health issues. For vitiligo, an individualized diet plan is recommended, taking into account the person’s dosha constitution. Foods that aggravate Pitta, like spicy and acidic foods, are advised against. Instead, a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is encouraged to support skin health.

4.Meditation and Yoga :

Stress is considered a significant factor in triggering or exacerbating vitiligo. Meditation and yoga are integral to Ayurveda, as they help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Incorporating these practices into daily life can complement other treatments and support the body’s healing processes.

Conclusion :

Ayurvedic techniques have stood the test of time, offering a holistic approach to treating white patches . While modern medicine has its place and importance, Ayurveda provides an alternative path for those seeking a more natural and balanced way of healing. It is essential to remember that individual responses to treatments may vary, and consulting an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner is crucial to tailor treatment plans to one’s specific needs.

Disclaimer: This article is written by the Ayurveda Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please “DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE” and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Ayusanjivani Ayurveda  will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.

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