How to Get Rid of White Patches on Skin? A tiny pimple is already a cause of concern for some people. However, having vitiligo or white patches on your skin is a more serious issue than a tiny pimple, which you can resolve naturally in time. If you notice white patches on your skin, then take action right away.
- Note that while it isn’t actually contagious nor life-threatening, it can still trigger mental stress.
- It might also affect your self-confidence as you’ll most likely feel embarrassed each time you go out.
- The problem with these white patches is that they tend to appear on the most visible parts of your body, particularly those exposed to the sun.
Among these body parts are the hands, feet, face, arms, and lips. Fortunately, vitiligo or white patches on skin is a skin condition, which you can treat at home with the right remedies. The following is a list of some of the best home remedies that you can use to treat the skin problem:
Coconut oil Coconut oil – One of the most effective remedies for white patches on skin is coconut oil as it is rich in moisturizing properties. It is also a big help in the re-pigmentation process. All you have to do to take advantage of it is to apply some on the skin areas with white patches. It is highly recommended to do this every day until it fully removes the patches. Ginger – Another way to get rid of white patches on skin is to use ginger. It cures the problem by stimulating proper blood circulation while also producing enough melanin. Just apply some slices of ginger on the affected areas. Do the process two times every day. For best results, you can combine the juices of both mint and ginger and apply the mixture on the patches. Turmeric – With the many antiseptic properties of turmeric, expect it to work wonders in curing the white patches on your skin. Just mix a few teaspoons of mustard oil with turmeric powder then apply it to the affected body parts. Such can help in boosting your immunity.
If the problem is quite severe in the sense that there are several areas that you need to treat, then increase the amount of turmeric powder and oil accordingly. Apply it on your skin two times a day. Honey – One of the most common causes of vitiligo is fungus.
- That said, the anti-fungal properties present in honey can also help you deal with the problem.
- What’s good about honey is that it also lets your skin glow while also retaining its normal color.
- Make sure to clean the area first with lukewarm water and soap.
- Let it dry prior to applying liquid honey.
- Wait for a few minutes so your skin can completely absorb it.
Results may be visible within a few weeks or months of use.
Holy Basil Oil – With this remedy, getting rid of unsightly white patches and spots on your skin is possible. Just put on a liberal amount of the holy basil oil on your skin. Aside from applying the oil directly on your skin, you can also try other versions of the treatment. One is to boil water with basil leaves on it then stir in turmeric powder. You can use the water mixture in washing the patches. Figs – One way to take full advantage of the ability of figs to get rid of white patches on skin is to consume lots of its raw form every day. Do this for one to two months. It can cure the problem as it purifies your blood and improves your blood circulation. Another way to use this remedy is to mix dry fig powder with water then apply it directly to the patches. Apple Cider Vinegar – One of the many uses of ACV is to offer relief against white patches formed on your skin. The good thing about ACV is that it is rich in antimicrobial properties – all of which can help get rid of fungi from your skin that often trigger the problem. Just mix it with water then put some of the solution directly on the patches. Wash the affected area with it for a minimum of two times per day. Almond Oil – It is a natural antioxidant, which is also rich in Vitamin E, making it suitable for removing white patches as it also promotes better skin health. To start using it, warm pure almond oil gently. Apply some of the warm almond oil on your affected body parts then massage them for about thirty minutes prior to taking your shower. Put on a light moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Do this procedure once every day. Cabbage Juice – With the regular application of this juice over the affected parts of your skin, you can minimize the patches and prevent them from recurring. What you have to do is to prepare a few cabbage leaves then grind them. Extract their juices. Apply only the juice over the white patches then leave it on for around ten minutes to give your skin the chance to absorb it completely. You can do this several times a day.
Alternatively, you can boil cabbage leaves in water. Boiling time should take around fifteen minutes or more. Wash the affected parts of your skin with the boiled water with cabbage leaves. With the 9 powerful remedies on how to get rid of white patches on skin mentioned in this article, you’ll be on your way towards solving the problem.
Contents
What causes white patches on your skin?
What causes vitiligo? – Vitiligo is caused by the lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes, and it gives your skin its colour. In vitiligo, there are not enough working melanocytes to produce enough melanin in your skin.
Can white patches be cured?
How Is Vitiligo Treated? – There is no “cure” for vitiligo. Sometimes patches go away on their own. But when that doesn’t happen, doctors can prescribe treatments that might help even out skin tone. Some of these treatments are things you can try at home; others are done by a doctor.
Which ointment is best for white patches on skin?
Medications – No drug can stop the process of vitiligo — the loss of pigment cells (melanocytes). But some drugs, used alone, in combination or with light therapy, can help restore some color.
Drugs that control inflammation. Applying a corticosteroid cream to affected skin might return color. This is most effective when vitiligo is still in its early stages. This type of cream is effective and easy to use, but you might not see changes in your skin’s color for several months. Possible side effects include skin thinning or the appearance of streaks or lines on your skin. Milder forms of the drug may be prescribed for children and for people who have large areas of discolored skin. Corticosteroid pills or injections might be an option for people whose condition is progressing rapidly. Medications that affect the immune system. Calcineurin inhibitor ointments, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) might be effective for people with small areas of depigmentation, especially on the face and neck. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about a possible link between these drugs and lymphoma and skin cancer.
Do white patches spread?
Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of depigmentation characterized by white macules and patches on various parts of the body reflecting selective melanocyte destruction. This condition affects all races across the world. Although it is not a painful condition, there is a lot of stigma associated due to cosmetic disfigurement.
- The condition tends to affect the quality of life of the person suffering from the disease and the patients often suffer from psychological distress and low self-esteem.
- They are at times subjected to social neglect, which in turn makes them isolate themselves from society.
- Inadequate knowledge and age-old misconceptions are the key reasons for this undue apprehension associated with the condition.
There is a misconception that the disease can spread by contact. However, Vitiligo is non-contagious and does not spread by contact. Another myth is about dietary habits. For instance, people used to implicate sour food, fish, white food, etc and consider them to be the reason for vitiligo.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. In fact, people belonging to different races, religions and socioeconomic groups with different dietary habits do not show any significant variation in a predisposition towards the disease. Another myth that surrounds the condition is the belief that vitiligo and leprosy are the same.
Kilasa or external kushta (vitiligo) and leprosy were described together in Ayurveda and were believed to have a similar etiology. The suffix ‘Kushta’ was used for all skin diseases in Ayurveda. However, it became synonymous with leprosy later. Similarly, white spots were described in the old testament under the Hebrew word ‘Zora at’ which was translated as ‘lepra’ in Greek and English bible leading to confusion between vitiligo and leprosy.
The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. Multiple theories have been proposed including a hypothesis based on genetic, autoimmune, neural, biochemical, autocytotoxic phenomenon and antioxidant deficiency theory. Stress, focus of infection and impaired melanocyte migration may also contribute to the pathogenesis.
The disease has a familial incidence of 1.56-34%. Genetic studies suggest a polygenic multifactorial inheritance and a role of acquired factors for its clinical expression. Vitiligo has been reported in association with several autoimmune disorders such as diabetes mellitus, alopecia areata, pernicious anemia, Addisons’s disease, and thyroid disorders,
Adopt a healthy and nutritious diet – Consuming a nutritious diet enriched with adequate proteins, vitamin B-complex, vitamin E and minerals such as copper, zinc as well as iron is advised. These nutrients can be obtained from egg, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, nuts, beans, lentils and poultry. A diet rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can also be helpful. Avoid excessive stress – Too much stress, anxiety and mental pressure can worsen the condition. Avoid soap and detergent that has harsh chemicals – Minimizing the usage of soaps and detergents containing phenolic compounds is advisable. Also, avoid direct contact or exposure to rubber goods and chemical agents known to be harmful to melanization.
Vitiligo can be treated through various treatment options like phototherapy, surgical treatment, cosmetic camouflaging and bleaching. However, it is not always successful and there can be frequent recurrences and spread throughout the lifespan. Some of the studies have also suggested the incorporation of psycho-social interventions and counselling in the treatment of vitiligo.
Is every white patch is vitiligo?
Hypopigmented spots that are NOT vitiligo – If the spots are not truly white, but hypopigmented and not depigmented (they don’t enhance by Wood’s lamp), then they are NOT vitiligo and could be any number of different diseases and conditions. I’ll list a few of the most common ones here.
Both IGH and nevus depigmentosus (described above) can also be hypopigmented instead of depigmented. They look similar and are located on the same areas of the body. Nevus anemicus is a common birthmark that looks lighter than surrounding skin, although it is actually not different in pigment at all. It is due to a lower blood supply to that area of skin, so it is less pink than surrounding skin and thus looks lighter.
It actually disappears completely for a few seconds when you apply pressure to the area because the surrounding blood in the vessels is pressed out. It reappears once the blood rushes back into it. Individuals with tuberous sclerosis can have light areas of skin called ash leaf spots, but they usually have other more cleare signs of this condition as well. Melasma Tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor) causes lighter spots on the chest and back, get scaly if scratched with a fingernail, and are caused by a common fungus that isn’t dangerous. It’s easily treated with an antifungal therapy. Tinea versicolor Progressive macular hypomelanosis looks a lot like tinea versicolor but without the scale, most commonly affecting the chest and back. Progressive macular hypomelanosis It is pretty easily treated with nbUVB therapy, similar to vitiligo. Inflammation or wounds can be lighter than the surrounding skin once they’re healed, this is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH). Atopic dermatitis or eczema does this commonly on areas of the body where this disease occurs, such as the cheeks, front of the elbows, or back of the knees, and it’s sometimes called pityriasis alba when this is the case. Pityriasis alba Discoid lupus (also called chronic cutaneous lupus) is usually located on the head and neck, causing lighter spots surrounded by dark areas, as well as permanent hair loss. Discoid lupus Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (or just lichen sclerosus, LS) is usually located on the genitals and causes light spots (sometimes completely white). It usually also causes symptoms like itching or pain, with fissuring or open cracks in that area that can be sore. Morphea Sarcoidosis can occasionally cause light spots on the skin that look like vitiligo, although it usually looks quite different. Sarcoidosis can also affect the lungs and other organs and should also be treated aggressively. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) or cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a very, very rare skin lymphoma that causes light spots on the skin most commonly only in sun-protected areas, or “bathing suit distribution”. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides There are some VERY RARE infections that can cause light spots on the skin, and these include a form of leprosy (tuberculoid leprosy), secondary syphilis (a rash that occurs after the genital sore or chancre clears up), and pinta. Leprosy Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease preceded by a genital sore (sometimes not noticed, though), and easily treated by penicillin once diagnosed. Secondary syphilis Pinta is only found in small areas of northern South America and causes white areas on the hands, wrists, and feet. I’ve never met anyone who has ever seen Pinta, so it’s not around much anymore. Pinta
At what age vitiligo starts?
Symptoms – Vitiligo signs include:
- Patchy loss of skin color, which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals
- Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard
- Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes)
Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect:
- Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces.
- Many parts of the body. With this most common type, called generalized vitiligo, the discolored patches often progress similarly on corresponding body parts (symmetrically).
- Only one side or part of the body. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a year or two, then stop.
- One or only a few areas of the body. This type is called localized (focal) vitiligo.
- The face and hands. With this type, called acrofacial vitiligo, the affected skin is on the face and hands, and around body openings, such as the eyes, nose and ears.
It’s difficult to predict how this disease will progress. Sometimes the patches stop forming without treatment. In most cases, pigment loss spreads and eventually involves most of the skin. Occasionally, the skin gets its color back.
How does vitiligo start out?
5 common signs of vitiligo – The signs of vitiligo can appear at any stage of life, and include:
Loss of skin color in patches, usually seen first on your face, hands, arms, legs, and feet Premature whitening of your body hair, including facial hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows Loss of color of the tissues inside your nose Changes in or loss of color in your eyes Thyroid problems
If you have vitiligo, you may also have had early signs of thyroid issues, Thyroid diseases are one of the most commonly associated issues for people with vitiligo, and having a thyroid problem can be an indicator that vitiligo will develop. Vitiligo isn’t painful, but it can spread rapidly, significantly changing your appearance over time.
Which oil is good for white patches?
Vitiligo is a type of skin disorder. It is an autoimmune disease in which the melanin cell stops functioning or starts dying, and forms blotches on the skin. It can affect any part of the skin. It may also affect the inside of the mouth and hair. There are many treatments available to restore the pigmentation of the skin.
- However, one of the most trusted and reliable treatments is described in Ayurveda,
- According to Ayurveda, there are tons of ways available in the house.
- By using these remedies, one can easily and adequately treat Vitiligo without any side effects.
- In Ayurveda, Mustard oil is one of the most significant remedies.
Mustard oil is very beneficial to heal this type of skin disease. Know More About Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is extracted from the mustard seed by the process of steam distillation. The connotations of this oil may vary depending upon the part of the world the mustard seed is coming from.
In some countries, mustard oil is only used for massage purposes. However, in many countries, it is considered edible. In both cases, mustard oil has millions of medicinal values and health benefits. Nutritional Value of Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is packed with all the nutrients of the mustard seed. In 1 litre of mustard oil, there are 844 calories.
Mustard oil has a total fat content of 100 grams which includes 21 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 12 grams of saturated fat, and 59 grams monounsaturated fat. It has zero content of sodium, carbohydrates, and protein, It also contains some important fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic, and erucic acid along with some important substance called Allyl isothiocyanate, that has several health benefits.
Mustard essential oil improves blood circulation. Mustard oil helps in digestion by keeping the digestive system intact. Mustard oil boosts appetite and makes a person feel full. Mustard essential oils fight bacterial infections, Mustard essential oils prevent fungal infections, Mustard oil repels insects. Mustard oil is good for hair. It is also beneficial for many orthopaedic problems like arthritis, lumbar pain, cervical pain, vertigo, etc. Mustard is also used for the treatment of Vitiligo.
How Is Mustard Oil Used To Treat Vitiligo? Mustard oil is one of the most popular home remedies used to heal Vitiligo. It helps in producing intense melanoid pigments and one can observe pigment initiation within 10 days. Regular use of mustard oil in food, massaging, or in the form paste will help to treat this skin disorder.
- According to a recent study, mustard or mustard oil has enormous therapeutic potential for treating Vitiligo.
- Paste of mustard oil and turmeric will help intensify the pigments of the skin.
- Take Away: There are many home remedies available used to cure Vitiligo and mustard oil is one such ingredient.
- It is the most popular and scientifically proven method for the treatment of Vitiligo.
However, it is best to consult a dermatologist or physician before opting for any of these remedies. Everyone’s skin and internal function is different and hence it is better to always go for the options which are prescribed for better and safe result.
Does coconut oil remove white patches?
Home remedies – While your white spots may be permanent, there are some remedies that have been suggested as good ways of disguising or improving the way the white spots look. Coconut oil applied to the skin is an anti-inflammatory that will encourage the growth of new pigment.
Is turmeric good for white patches?
Paste of Mustard Oil and Turmeric – Turmeric has a lot of medicinal benefits and is also acts as home remedies to cure vitiligo disease. One can lower the effects of Vitiligo by using turmeric. Take one tablespoon of turmeric powder with 2 tablespoons of mustard oil and mix them well to make a thick paste.
How can I increase melanin in my skin?
Vitamin C – Like vitamins A and E, vitamin C is an antioxidant. Vitamin C is needed for healthy mucous membranes. It may also have some impact on melanin production and skin protection. There aren’t any studies that prove vitamin C increases melanin production.
Are white spots permanent?
Removing White Spots On Teeth – White spot lesions are, and as a result, they’re mostly impossible to remove. Your dentist’s ability to reduce the appearance of white spots will be based on several factors, including:
The size of the white spots The underlying cause Deterioration of the tooth enamel The overall quantity of spots on the tooth enamel
Is white spot fungal?
What is “White Spot”? – “White spot” or “panau” (in Malay) is a superficial fungal skin infection. The medical term is pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor. It usually affects adults and causes an itchy, scaly rash that appears as white, pink or brown patches on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and limbs. The condition is often aggravated by excessive sweating.
Which cream is best for vitiligo?
Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream is the first FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo that re-pigments skin. People 12 years of age and older can use it twice a day. Vitamin D3 analogs, like calcipotriene 0.005% cream (Dovonex), regulate skin cell production and proliferation.
What is the skin disease called with white patches?
Overview of Vitiligo – Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.
In vitiligo, the white patches usually appear symmetrically on both sides of your body, such as on both hands or both knees. Sometimes, there can be a rapid loss of color or pigment and even cover a large area. The segmental subtype of vitiligo is much less common and happens when the white patches are only on one segment or side of your body, such as a leg, one side of the face, or arm.
This type of vitiligo often begins at an early age and progresses for 6 to 12 months and then usually stops. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, Normally, the immune system works throughout your body to fight off and defend your body from viruses, bacteria, and infection.
What vitamin deficiency causes small white spots on skin?
Which vitamin deficiency causes white spots on skin? – There are many vitamins that influence your skin’s health. Let’s take a closer look at some of these vitamins and how you can increase your dietary intake. Folate Vitamin B-9, also called folate or folic acid, is an important nutrient for your skin and body.
- Folate aids in red blood cell production and also promotes healthy skin cell development.
- A loss of pigmentation in your skin can occur if you’re deficient in folate, and it also increases your risk of folate-deficiency anemia, which leads to pale-looking skin.
- Since folate is found in a variety of foods, it’s easy to increase your intake.
Dark leafy greens, fortified fruit juices, whole grains, beans, and sunflower seeds are good sources of folate. Vitamin B-12 A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can present itself as white spots or patches on your skin. Since vitamin B-12 is also essential for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, you may also be at risk for pernicious anemia, a condition that causes pale skin, fever, and weight loss.
Vitamin B-12 is primarily found in eggs and animal products such as meats. If you’re a vegan and follow a diet of mostly plant-based foods, you may face vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about taking B-12 supplements to lower your risk of a loss of skin pigmentation and anemia. Vitamin C Vitamin C is an important vitamin that supports skin health by encouraging the production of collagen, and it’s an antioxidant that fights damage caused by free radicals.
Skin pigmentation is also affected by low levels of vitamin C, resulting in paleness. Fortunately, many foods are rich in vitamin C, including oranges and other citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. Vitamin D The levels of vitamin D in your body are influenced by your skin’s pigmentation.
- Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color, and it’s produced by cells called melanocytes.
- Melanocytes help synthesize vitamin D when you’re exposed to direct sunlight.
- If you have a darker skin tone, you require more sunlight than people with lighter skin tones to avoid a vitamin D deficiency.
In addition to receiving adequate sun exposure, vitamin D is also found in fortified cereals and milk. Talk to your dermatologist about how you can receive enough sun exposure during the way to meet your body’s needs for vitamin D without damaging your skin.
What causes white spots on skin as you age?
If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun, you may start to see your sun-worshiping ways reflected on your skin. Too much exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can cause sun damage, and your skin begins to show the signs quickly. The telltale signs of sun damage are dark spots, or age spots, and with more extensive damage, white spots, which can begin to appear on your skin after years in the sun without adequate protection.