VITILIGO (SHWITRA)

WHAT IS VITILIGO ?

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by the loss of skin pigmentation, leading to the development of white patches on the skin. It occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives color to the skin) are damaged or destroyed. The exact cause of vitiligo is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors. This condition is not contagious and can affect people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

CAUSES OF VITILIGO :

The exact causes of vitiligo are not completely understood, but several factors are believed to play a role in its development. These include:

1. Autoimmune Factors: One leading theory is that an autoimmune response may target and destroy melanocytes - the pigment producing cells in the skin.
2. Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition seems to play a role, as vitiligo often runs in families. Specific genes associated with vitiligo have been identified.
3. Environmental Factors: Some environmental triggers, such as exposure to chemicals, sunburn or emotional stress, may exacerbate or trigger the onset of vitiligo in susceptible individuals.
4. Neurological Factors: Some researchers believe that neurological factors may influence the development of vitiligo, as the skin and nerves share a close relationship.

SYMPTOMS OF VITILIGO :

The primary symptom of vitiligo is the development of white or depigmented patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size and shape. Other common symptoms and characteristics of vitiligo include:

1. Loss of Skin Color: White or light-colored patches that are clearly demarcated from the surrounding normal skin.
2. Symmetrical Distribution: In many cases, vitiligo patches appear on both sides of the body symmetrically.
3. Progression: Vitiligo can be progressive, with existing patches expanding or new ones developing over time.
4. Hair Color Changes: Premature graying or loss of color in hair on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard.
5. Color Changes in Mucous Membranes: In some cases, the mucous membranes (such as the inside of the mouth and nose) may lose pigment.
6. Sun Sensitivity: Skin with vitiligo may be more sensitive to sunlight and susceptible to sunburn.

VITILIGO IN AYURVEDA

-  In Ayurveda, it is called as ‘SHWITRA’ . In vitiligo (shwitra), in spite of manifestation of disease over the skin, there may be systemic involvement. It is ‘Aparisravi (Non discharging), so it is considered separate from leprosy. As per Ayurveda, it has same causative factors as kushtha i.e. leprosy. It is without discharge, vitiated with three doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha dosha.

- In Ayurveda, it is classified as Vaataja, Pittaja, and Kaphaja as per dosha vitiated.

1. Vataja shwitra is dry (ruksha) and of Red-black (arun) in color.
2. Pittaja shwitra is coppery or lotus-like in color and associated with inflammation (daha) and loss of hair.
3. Kaphaja shwitra is hard, heavy with white color and associated with itching.

MANAGEMENT OF VITILIGO (SHWITRA) ACC. TO AYURVEDA

 PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT :

1. VAMAN - Therapeutic Emesis
2. VIRECHAN - Purgation
3. BASTI - Therapeutic enema. It is a purification method for vata
4. RAKTAMOKSHAN - Blood- letting

  INTERNAL MEDICATIONS (ABHYANTARA CHIKITSA) :

1. Lepachikitsa (Local application of medicated lepas)
2. Aatapsevan (absorbing morning sun rays)

APATHYA (DIET RELATED RESTRICTIONS IN VITILIGO) :

- Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, curd, raw tomato, raw garlic, raw onion, tamarind, brinjal, pickles, papaya, grapes, green chilli, pomegranate are strictly restricted.

- Fish, red meat, spicy & oily food items.

- Amla (gooseberry), food items with sodium bicarbonate.

- Tinned food or drinks, junk food, fermented food, coffee or cocoa should not be taken regularly.

Lower intake (can take once or twice a week): eggs, milk, ice cream, chocolate.

LIFESTYLE RELATED RESTRICTIONS :

- A tight fitting dress or undergarment should not be used.

- Itching, scratching over skin should be avoided.

- Vitiligo patients should refrain themselves from any accident or injury as it may develop a new white spot.

- Rubber and plastic wear should be avoided in regular use.

- Bindi or any stickers with an  adhesive over skin should be completely avoided.

- Playing or going in direct sun in afternoon should be restricted.

- Swimming in pools should not be done.

PATHYA (FOOD ITEMS TO BE TAKEN) :

- green leafy vegetables, beetroot, carrot, dates, chick peas, figs, copper glassful of water

DIET CHART FOR VITILIGO PATIENT

CAC MANAGEMENT OF VITILIGO

ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is the mixture of all herbal medicines which are beneficial in the treatment of leucoderma. The mixture contains ingredients like- Moti pishti, Parwal pishti, Giloy satva, Jahar mohra, Akik pishti, Gandhak rasayan, etc. These ingredients balance all the Tridosha. It brings the cooling effect and useful in the inflamed parts of the body.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.

2. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that keeps the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha calm. It purifies the blood and very beneficial for skin diseases. It is prepared form ingredients like – Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), etc. It reduces inflammation and provides cooling effects. This Ayurvedic medicine has potent use in managing skin problems like psoriasis, leucoderma, eczema, as it helps to eliminate the toxins from the blood.

Recommended Dosage–   Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.

3. Tolenorm oil

Tolenorm oil is a Proprietary Siddha Medicine which is specially formulated with both polar and non-polar actives prepared through a unique process from the following plants: Wrightia tinctoria, Psorolea corylifolia, Indigofera tinctoria, Piper longum and Oleum Cocos nucifera. Therapy with Tolenorm oil is proven to be effective in the management of Vitiligo and hypopigmentary problems.

Dosage: Apply on the effective area twice daily.

4. Skin Care tablet

Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely Ayurvedic formulation. It helps to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, removes stagnant blood and dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems. It is Natural skin moisturizer, Delay ageing, Remove blemishes, Reduce itching and burning sensation of skin, Prevent acne and pimples, In allergic skin diseases, Relieves leucoderma

DOSAGE: Take 1-2 tablets twice daily

5. Babchi Tablet

CAC Babchi Tablet is an herbal formulation which is beneficial in fungal infection of nail, psoriasis, deafness, bleedings from wounds, insomnia, vitiligo, Cancer, Jaundice, provide natural color to skin, Eczema, Leprosy, skin problems, Leucoderma, purifies blood, supports healthy melanin pigment (skin pigment that supports healthy skin color) in body.

DOSAGE: Take 1-2 tablets twice daily