How to Get Rid of White Patches on Skin, Vitiligo

In medical terms, white patches on the skin are known as vitiligo. This can appear on different body parts including the hands, feet, arms, legs, face, lips, and around the eyes and mouth.

The exact cause of this skin condition is still unknown. Experts believe that it could be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system itself attacks the melanocytes or melanin-producing cells.

Other causes that can contribute to this problem are a genetic predisposition, overexposure to sunrays, excessive stress, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

White patches on skin can also be caused by superficial fungal infections like tinea versicolor, eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.

Irrespective of the cause, the problem tends to be embarrassing and could be killing your self confidence. But don’t lose heart as there are some natural remedies that you can try at home to deal with this problem. Moreover, at times it tends to resolve on its own.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of white patches on the skin. Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

1. Babchi

Babchi or Psoralea corylifolia is considered an effective Ayurvedic remedy for hypopigmentation. Its active components help reduce white patches on skin. It also has antipsoriatic properties that help treat psoriasis.

• Soak babchi (also known as bakuchi) seeds in ginger juice for three day. Make sure to replace the ginger juice every day. Then, remove the husks by rubbing the seeds between your hands, dry them in the sun and grind them to a fine powder. Consume one gram or about one-fifth of a teaspoon of this powder with a glass of milk daily for 40 days. You can also apply this power topically.
• Another option is to apply babchi oil on the affected skin areas and expose to sunlight for about 15 minutes (start with a short duration of sun exposure to check if the response is favorable). You can also use a combination of black seed oil and babchi oil.

2. Ginkgo Biloba

Research indicates that ginkgo biloba can help treat vitiligo because of its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. It can help reduce the progression of the disease and also induce repigmentation.

The general dosage is 40 to 80 mg of ginkgo biloba, three times a day. To help determine the proper dosage and suitability of this herb for you, consult your doctor.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil soothes the skin and heals chronic inflammation. It helps in the treatment of vitiligo because it promotes repigmentation of the skin. Plus, it has antifungal and antibacterial benefits.

Simply apply extra-virgin coconut oil on the white patches two to three times a day at least for a few weeks.

4. Ginger

According to Chinese herbalism, ginger can be used as an excellent natural remedy for vitiligo. It improves blood circulation and helps with melanin production.

• Place a freshly cut slice of ginger root on the affected area. Leave it on until the ginger dries. Do this once or twice daily for a few weeks or until you see improvement.
• You can also extract the juice from one large ginger root and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Drink it daily for a few weeks.

5. Copper

Copper is believed to help aid in the production of melanin. It is believed that copper is required by the enzyme tyrosinase which in turn is required for the synthesis of melanin pigment from tyrosine.

1. Pour drinking water in a copper pot or a copper vessel and let it sit overnight at room temperature. (Do not put this water in a refrigerator as it can destroy its properties and make it less effective.)
2. In the morning, the water will be infused with copper ions that aid the production of melanin.
3. Drink this water on an empty stomach every morning.

6. Red Clay

Red clay, too, has high copper content that can help restore skin pigment and get rid of white patches.

1. Mix equal amounts of red clay and ginger juice.
2. Apply this paste on the affected areas
3. Leave it on until it dries completely and then wash it off.
4. Repeat daily for a few months.

7. Radish Seeds

Applying a paste of ground radish seeds and vinegar is popular Ayurvedic remedy for white patches on skin caused by vitiligo or leukoderma.

1. Grind about 25 grams of radish seeds into a coarse powder.
2. Mix it with two teaspoons of vinegar to make a paste.
3. Apply this paste on the affected area for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
4. Do this daily for a few months.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar can destroy the fungi that could be causing white patches on your skin. It is also believed to help with low stomach acid associated with vitiligo.

• Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Use this mixture to wash the affected skin twice a day. Do this daily for about a month. The white spots will start changing color and the problem will disappear soon.
• Also, drink a glass of water mixed with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar daily before meals.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is another ingredient that can be used to get rid of white skin patches. A mixture of turmeric and mustard oil is considered particularly beneficial in this regard.

• Mix five teaspoons of turmeric powder with 250 milliliters or about one cup of mustard oil. Apply this mixture to discolored areas of your skin. Follow this remedy twice daily for about a year for the most effective outcome.
• Another option is to make a paste of turmeric and neem leaves. Apply it on the affected area. The antiseptic property of this mixture makes this a good option if the problem is caused by some kind of infection.

10. Neem

Neem is excellent for treating skin problems. It is also believed to help restore skin pigmentation. When taken internally, it also works as a good blood purifier and immune booster.

• Mix some crushed neem leaves and enough buttermilk to make a paste. Apply it on your white patches and leave it on until it dries completely. Finally, wash it off. Do this daily at least for a few weeks.
• Another option is to daily apply neem oil on your skin after diluting it. So, you can mix a few drops of neem oil in one teaspoon of coconut oil or any other carrier oil and then apply.
• You can also drink neem juice or take this herb in supplement form daily for a few months. Another option is to eat four neem leaves three times a day, preferably before meals.

In addition to these remedies, pay attention to your diet. For instance, those suffering from vitiligo are suggested to avoid fruits like berries because they contain hydroquinone which works as a a natural depigmenting agent.

As vitiligo is often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, you can include cabbage, spinach, dried beans, dried figs, walnuts, chickpeas, and other foods rich in vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc. However, avoid non-vegetarian foods, especially red meat and seafood.

Resources:

https://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/11/21

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9394983

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221203/