Reasons behind White Spots on the Skin: Vitiligo
Feeling a little self-conscious about those white spots and patches on your skin? You’re not alone. Vitiligo, a disorder that causes white spots to form on the skin, is more common than you might think. It affects a large population segment, with research indicating that 0.5% to 2% of people suffer from it. This means that there are many others out there who understand what you’re going through. While it might not be life-threatening, it can significantly influence a person’s physical appearance and emotional well-being. The emotional impact of vitiligo can be profound, especially for those who acquire it in noticeable body parts like the face or hands. This article explains all you need to know about white patches on skin and how to treat them.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune illness in which some parts of the skin lose colour, resulting in white spots and patches. This occurs when melanocytes—the cells that produce pigment—are misidentified by the immune system and destroyed. Vitiligo can affect any region of the body, although it usually develops in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and hands, as well as in skin folds.
According to research, vitiligo affects 0.5% to 2% of the general population. Although it may affect people of all races and ethnicities, it is more noticeable in those with darker skin tones. A lack of melanin in your skin can also cause your hair to become white or grey. The illness varies from person to person, making it impossible to anticipate how much skin damage will occur. Some people have a few tiny white spots on skin, while others have more extensive patches covering large skin sections.
How to Identify it?
Vitiligo symptoms can affect different skin parts and range from mild to severe. The initial sign is depigmentation or loss of the skin’s natural colour. Depigmented patches might develop anywhere on the body, including sun-exposed regions like the hands, lips, arms, and cheeks.
Vitiligo disease symptoms to watch out for:
- Lips and nose losing colour
- Changes in eye colour
- Dark spots around discoloured areas
- Hair turning grey
- White patches on armpits, genitals, and navel
- Itchy skin
If you see any signs, seek advice from Dr Mahima, our skin specialist, for early detection and effective vitiligo treatment.
What Led to its Development?
Based on scientific research, the causes of vitiligo include:
Family history: Studies have indicated that a genetic background predisposes people to have this condition, and 20% of those diagnosed with it have a family history of skin issues. Roughly thirty genes have been identified as potentially raising the risk of developing this skin condition.
Autoimmune condition: An autoimmune disease is caused by the body’s immune system mistaking healthy melanocytes—the cells that give skin its colour—for dangerous invaders like germs. The immune system thus becomes too active and produces antibodies that specifically target and harm melanocytes.
Skin injury or trauma: Studies indicate that areas with frequent sun exposure and severe sunburns, especially on the hands, face, and neck, are more likely to develop vitiligo. Skin wounded by a deep cut or repeated rubbing, scratching, or pressure is also more likely to develop vitiligo.
Stress: Research indicates that vitiligo can be triggered and exacerbated by stressful events or persistent physical and emotional stress, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition to the condition. Hormonal fluctuations during periods of intense stress are thought to contribute to developing skin changes associated with vitiligo.
Exposure to chemicals: When the skin comes into contact with certain chemicals, it can elicit an immune response specifically targeting the melanocytes, which play a paramount role in producing the pigment melanin. This immune response can destroy melanocytes, ultimately resulting in the development of discoloured patches.
Can this Condition be Transmitted to others?
When people first learn about vitiligo, one of the most common questions they ask is, “Can vitiligo spread?”. The answer is a resounding NO. Vitiligo is not contagious in any way. It’s not caused by any illness or bacteria that can be transmitted through direct contact, including touch, saliva, or any other form of interaction. The origins of vitiligo are rooted in internal bodily factors and are entirely independent of external or infectious agents. So, rest assured, you can’t ‘catch’ vitiligo from someone else.
Is there a Treatment available?
Certainly! If you’re seeking an alternative approach, homeopathic treatment for vitiligo might be just what you want. Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on treating the individual as a whole rather than just the symptoms of the disease. Homeopathic remedies for vitiligo aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and restore balance within the body. These remedies are made from natural substances and are believed to be safe and gentle, with minimal side effects. Homeopathic vitiligo medication supports repigmentation and reduces white patches by selecting remedies based on individual symptoms and constitutional factors.
White patches on skin treatment may involve oral remedies, topical creams, or other forms of treatment tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Individuals seeking a more holistic path to their health often choose vitiligo homeopathic treatment. It is important to consult with a qualified homeopathic professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case of vitiligo.
Get Rid of your White Patches with our Homeopathic Treatment
Eliminate those pesky white patches on your skin once and for all with our highly effective and proven homeopathic treatment at Bharat Homeopathy. Our safe and natural approach has been carefully developed to provide you with a solution that not only targets the root causes of vitiligo skin disease but also ensures long-lasting results. Our skilled team carefully assesses your situation, creates a personalised treatment strategy, and offers the best homeopathic remedy for vitiligo. We strive to deliver a secure and efficient treatment that promotes natural healing by applying a deep understanding of homeopathic principles. Our treatment has a proven track record, assuring you that it will effectively restore your skin’s natural pigment.Say goodbye to the embarrassment and trouble caused by vitiligo patches and embrace a flawless and even complexion with our time-tested treatment of white patches on skin. Trust Bharat Homeopathy to restore your skin’s natural pigment.
