Introduction
Vitiligo is a skin disorder where there is lose of pigmentation of particular parts of the skin in patches. This condition is also called leucoderma. Leuco refers to ‘white’ and derma means ‘skin’. In Ayurveda, it is corelated with a condition called as Shwetakushta. Synonyms of this problem in ayurveda is Kilasa, shweta, shouklya, aruna, daruna .As per Modern science , cause of this problem is improper distribution of the melanin (impaired melanocyte production), beneath the skin surface. This may be hereditary, medicine originated (caused due to toxicity), side effects of radiation or chemotherapy etc.
Causes of its Origin as per Ayurveda
Ayurvedic texts explain following factors as the direct or indirect reasons for Shwitra Roga :
- Viruddhahara (incompatible food)
- Chardi vega dharana (suppression of vomiting)
- Atibhojana (excess food intake)
- Atyamla, lavana, madhura, katu rasa sevana (intake of sour, sweet, salt and pungent food excessively)
- Navanna, dadhi, matsya bhakshana (heavy intake of fresh grains, curd and fish)
- Vipra-guru gharshana (teasing and disrespecting the elders)
- Papakarma (sinful acts)
Pathogenasis of shwetakushta
Due to the above said causes, all the three doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha are aggravated in association with skin, blood (rakta), muscles (Mamsa) and watery element (Udaka).If lymph (rasa) and blood (raktha) are significantly involved, it results in Shwitra kushta.
Classification of shwetakushta
- Vataja – non discharging skin lesions, often possess rough surface, dry in nature and erythematous (red).
- Pittaja – color of lotus (coppery) associated with burning sensation and loss of hair follicles.
- Kaphaja – white, dense, heavy patches associated with itching.
Some single herbs useful in Vitiligo
- Khadira
- Bakuchi
- Tuvaraka
- Daruharidra
Wholesome diet and habits
- Vrata-pooja-patha-dana (fasting, worship, enchanting the sacred hymens, donation etc.)
- Offering food daily to poor on charity basis
- Visit to pilgrimage places
- Taking Old rice (purana shali) ,Wheat (godhuma) ,Green gram (mudga)
- Intake of easy to digest food (laghu ahara) etc.
Unwholesome food and habits
- Viruddhahara (incompatible food)
- Guru ahara (heavy food)
- Vidahi ahara (spicy, pungent food)
- Vishtambhi ahara (constipatives)
- Anupa mamsa (aguatic animals)
- Kanda -moola (roots and tubers)
- Masha (black gram)
- Amla–katu-lavana rasa (sour, pungent, salty food)
- Kritaghnata (being thankless)
- Deva-guru ninda (speaking ill of teachers and gods) etc.
Conclusion
Vitiligo problem is not a critical illness ,but the sufferer often gets inferiority to face the public. Many myths in the society is still exist regarding this complaint and about its spreading by touch, hug etc. But undoubtedly, Ayurveda play an important role such problems .
To get deeper understanding or treatment , consult with ayurvedic doctors. To book an appointment ,just contact at +91 8256003636
