Leucoderma or vitigo is the medical name for white spots that appear on the skin. The white spots occur when the skin loses the capacity to produce color at specific points because of environmental or genetic factors. These white spots appear as patches without any pigmentation on the skin.

These spots are commonly seen in people who have autoimmune diseases. One such condition is the adrenocortical insufficiency. This disease occurs when the adrenal gland responsible for the production of corticosteroids does not function normally and there is a deficiency of the hormone level in the body. If the white spots on your skin appear as a result of this condition, then the physician would probably suggest you some corticosteroid cream.

Another option for the treatment of the white spots is artificial phototherapy or exposure to sunlight for a long time. Melanocytes are cells that are responsible for the pigmentation of the skin. When these cells stop functioning normally and the production of pigment ceases then white spots can appear on the skin. Exposure of the affected part of the skin to the light for a long time can help these cells become active and reduce the white patches on the skin. Recent studies have also shown that it is possible to transfer the melanocytes from one part of the skin to another. This can help in curing of the white patches completely.

You can also try some homemade remedies for curing the white patches. Take some radish leaves and grind them to form a thick paste. Add some white vinegar and set aside the mixture overnight. Apply this over the affected area the next morning and leave the application on the skin for a few hours. The mixture has some reaction with the skin, and within a period of two weeks you will notice a change in your skin color.

You can also make use of mustard seed oil and turmeric. Mix turmeric in water in a 1:8 proportion and heat the mixture until the consistency reduces to 20%. Let this mixture cool and then add mustard seed oil almost half a liter and heat again to make the water evaporate. Preserve this paste and apply it over your skin everyday for few hours.

You can also use red clay mixed with ginger powder and vinegar. Make a paste and apply it on your skin. Let it dry and wash with lukewarm water. This will help you in getting back the pigmentation on your skin.

The white patches on the skin can effectively be covered with makeup. But, it is advised that a proper medical check should be done to know the cause of occurrence of these patches and to determine the right cure for them. If the disease runs in the family then there are less chances of getting it cured completely. Also, there are a number of medical conditions that can cause leucoderma; hence it is advisable that you consult a dermatologist, who can advise you on which would be the best therapy for you. Usually, doctors suggest topical treatments, but if the condition is severe then you might be put on oral therapy.

Jonathan Pitts

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