Vitiligo, known as “Kod” in Ayurveda, is a skin condition where white patches appear due to the loss of natural pigmentation (melanin). Many patients experience emotional distress when these patches appear suddenly on visible areas such as the face or hands. However, with timely treatment, proper diet, and stress management, significant recovery is possible.
Ayurveda describes vitiligo as a Tridoshaj disorder, primarily involving an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas. In modern dermatology, vitiligo is classified into two major types — Segmental and Non-Segmental. Nearly 90% of patients experience the Non-Segmental type, which can appear symmetrically on both sides of the body — on the hands, legs, face, back, and other areas.
Types of Non-Segmental Vitiligo
1. Generalized Vitiligo
This is the most common type, where patches can appear on any part of the body and may spread rapidly. Although it can occur at any age, it is more often seen after the age of 30 or around menopause in women. Early and consistent Ayurvedic treatment can help slow its spread and restore skin pigmentation gradually.
2. Acrofacial Vitiligo
This type affects areas like the fingers, hands, toes, and around the mouth or eyes. The condition responds to Ayurvedic therapy but usually heals slowly. In some cases, it may take one to two years for noticeable repigmentation, especially near the nails. Patience and consistent treatment are key.
3. Unilateral (Unisegmental) Vitiligo
Here, the white patches appear only on one side of the body, affecting up to 60% of the affected area. This form is less common, seen in about 1–3% of cases. Such patients often lose motivation if the response is slow, but proper counseling and adherence to therapy help achieve good outcomes.
4. Mucosal or Mixed Vitiligo
In this type, patches appear on the abdomen, back, and hands. Since these areas are often covered, the patient may not notice them initially. However, when the patches appear on visible areas like the hands, patients become anxious and seek faster recovery. In these cases, the response to Ayurvedic treatment is often positive and visible sooner.
Ayurvedic Approach to Vitiligo
According to Ayurveda, vitiligo (Shwitra or Kilasa) is caused by vitiation of Pitta dosha leading to a disturbance in melanin production. Ayurvedic treatment aims to balance the doshas, detoxify the body (Panchakarma), and stimulate melanin regeneration naturally.
Key components of Ayurvedic vitiligo management include:
Herbal medications to correct metabolism and restore pigmentation.
Detox therapies like Virechana and Raktamokshana.
Diet modifications avoiding incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara).
Stress management through yoga, meditation, and proper sleep.
Many patients show visible improvement within months of consistent treatment. Even long-standing cases, with patches present for decades, can experience significant repigmentation through dedicated Ayurvedic therapy.
Inspiring Recovery Stories
At Skin Heal Solutions, we have witnessed several remarkable recoveries. For example, a 62-year-old woman with vitiligo for over 40 years achieved almost complete skin restoration through Ayurvedic treatment. Today, her skin appears healthy and even-toned — a living example of Ayurveda’s power in skin healing.
