In medical terms, white patches on skin are known as vitiligo. This type of patches can appear on different body parts such as hands, feet, arms, legs, face, lips, and around eyes and mouth. The main cause behind this skin problem is lack of the functioning melanin producing skin cells. Other reasons are auto-immune disorder in the body, deficiency of vitamin B12, hyper activity of the thyroid glands, excessive stress, hereditary and increased exposure to sunrays.
White patches on the skin can be unpleasant to look at. But, there is nothing to worry about as there are treatments available to deal with this kind of skin problem. There are even some effective natural remedies that you can easily try at home.
Here are top 10 ways to get rid of White Patches on Skin.
1. Radish Seeds
One of the best known home cures for white spots disorder is radish seeds. Take about 25 grams of radish seeds and then grind them to make a coarse powder. Now to this powdered radish seeds add two teaspoons of vinegar and mix it properly. Apply this paste on the affected area for half an hour and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. In case radish seeds are not available, then you can use radish leaves. Take few radish leaves and grind them to form a thick paste and then add some white vinegar. Leave this paste aside in room temperature for overnight. Next morning apply this paste over the affected area and leave it on the skin for one to two hours. When this remedy is followed daily you can notice improvement in your skin color within a month.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is another ingredient that can be used to get rid of white patches on the skin. When a mixture of turmeric and mustard oil is externally applied on the affected area, it boosts the immune system. Take five teaspoons of turmeric powder and mix it with 250 milliliters of mustard oil and apply this paste to discolored areas of skin twice daily. For effective outcome, you must follow this remedy for almost a year. Another option is to make a paste of turmeric and Neem leaves and apply it on the affected area. The antiseptic property of this mixture will help to deal with this kind of skin problem if the reason behind the problem is some kind of infection.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage juice can also be used to cure white spots on skin in a very effective manner. Extract some cabbage juice by crushing some fresh cabbage leaves. Now apply this juice on the affected area and leave for around ten minutes before rinsing the area with lukewarm water. Another option is to pierce a few cabbage leaves with the help of a fork and put the leaves directly on the white spots. You can also boil some cabbage leaves in water and use the water to wash the affected skin area. It is also a good idea to increase the intake of cabbage in your diet.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can destroy the fungi and bacteria that causes white patches on the skin. Make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water and use this mixture to wash the affected skin area twice a day. This will help to keep the area clean and free of bacteria and fungi. If this remedy is followed daily for one month, the white spots will start changing the color and the problem will disappear soon. At the same time you can also include apple cider vinegar in cooking.
5. Ginger
Another useful natural remedy to deal with white patches is regular consumption of ginger juice. Ginger will increase blood circulation to the skin. Take some fresh ginger and crush it to extract the juice. Now mix this ginger juice with lemon juice and water and consume it twice daily and soon there will be improvement in the skin condition. At the same time you can even rub a small piece of ginger or ginger paste on the white spots for a few minutes. You can prepare a mixture of red clay and ginger juice taken in equal amounts. Apply the mixture over the skin spots, leave it for about twenty minutes, and wash it off with water.
6. Figs
Figs have some essential properties that can heal white patches. Try to consume lots of figs in the raw form daily for a month or two to get rid of the problem of white spots and patches on the skin. This will help to purify the blood and improve its circulation. Else you can roast the figs and powder them and add some water to it to make a thick paste. Now apply this paste on the white patches on the skin and leave it for a few minutes before rinsing the area with clean water. Along with figs, experts also recommend to regularly consume walnuts to improve the white dry spots on the skin. You can also make a paste of walnut powder and water and apply it over the affected parts of the skin.
7. Copper
Copper has got some fertility boosting properties which is good for the immune system. Take a copper flask or a copper vessel, pour drinking water in it and leave it overnight at room temperature. In the morning the water will be infused with copper ions which help in the production of melanin. Once the melanin level in the body becomes normal, skin pigmentation could be corrected and the problem of white patches will be no more. Try to have this water on an empty stomach, every morning. Do not keep this water in a refrigerator as it can destroy its properties and will not be that effective.
8. Honey
Honey is used in the treatment of different types of skin conditions including the appearance of white patches on the skin. The anti-fungal property of honey is highly beneficial in killing bacteria and keeping your skin healthy and glowing. Honey gets absorbed properly into the skin and promotes healing. First clean your skin properly with water and pat dry it. Now apply raw honey to the affected skin area and allow it to absorb fully into the skin for best affects. Another option is to add two tablespoons of honey to one teaspoon each of rice powder, sandalwood powder and turmeric powder. Apply this paste on the affected area and wash after ten minutes. This will help to prevent the appearance of white spots.
9. Holy Basil
Holy basil oil is also highly beneficial in treating the appearance of white patches on the skin. You can apply the holy basil oil directly on the affected areas to get rid of ugly white spots and patches. Another option is to boil a few holy basil leaves in water. If you wish you can add some turmeric powder to the boiling water which is an excellent antiseptic and antifungal agent. Allow the water to come to room temperature and then use this water to wash the affected skin area or face.
10. Neem
Neem is excellent for treating all kinds of skin problems, so you should make a powder of dried leaves, flowers and fruits of the Neem tree and consume one teaspoon of the powder with water daily. This helps to fight any autoimmune disorders and treat the condition. Else you can grind some Neem leaves to a paste by adding little water. Apply the paste to the affected skin area and rinse after ten minutes with water. If done on the regular basis, this remedy will clear the white spots and restore the original color of your skin.
To conclude, as far as home remedies are concerned for vitiligo, you need to follow the remedies for a long period of time to get positive results. For vitiligo treatment, you can also consult a skin specialist.
Diet for Vitiligo
The diet significantly influences the bodys resistance to various illnesses and infections. It is possible that skin disorders such as vitiligo occur more easily when nutrition is poor. There is no specific diet to be followed for improvement in vitiligo. But a nutritious and wholesome diet in general is a must for overall good health. Medical treatment for vitiligo tends to continue for long periods of time and during this time it is essential to keep the body healthy to aid in healing. Individuals affected with vitiligo should aim to consume healthy and balanced meals. Beneficial foods such as olive oil, black pepper and green tea should be incorporated into the daily diet.
