10 Amazingly Effective Home Remedies To Treat Leucoderma

Written by Shaheen Naser, MSc Experience: 3 years

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

Read full bio of Shaheen Naser

Last Updated on May 23, 2014

10-Amazingly-Effective-Home-Remedies-To-Treat-Leucoderma

Michael Jackson claimed that he suffered from leucoderma and that was the cause of his skin turning white. While many rubbish this claim and swear that the King of Pop’s change of complexion was due to repeated bleaching, the fact remains that leucoderma can turn the skin completely white!

So, what exactly is leucoderma?

Well, leucoderma is a skin disorder where the skin begins to turn white. The medical term used for this skin disease is vitiligo. Leucoderma is basically a pigmentation problem.

Our skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. If the cells, which make melanin, are unhealthy, they will affect melanin production. Too much melanin makes skin dark and less makes it light.

If a person suffers from leucoderma, the melanin from his skin cell decreases gradually. And because of this, discoloration happens and white patches form on the skin. In the initial stage people ignore these white patches as they are small and do not hurt. But gradually, these patches become big and spread all over the body.

[Read: Vitiligo Diet – What Is It And How Does It Help Treat Vitiligo? ]

Top 10 Home Remedies For Leucoderma:

Many medical treatments are available in the market to treat this skin disorder starting from oral medicines, creams, ultraviolet treatment to skin grafting. But sometimes these treatments do not suit your skin type or body. And not to mention the money you will need to shell out for these treatments. The best way to treat leucoderma is with the help of home remedies. Here are some of the home remedies you can use to treat this seemingly innocent yet life changing disease:

1. Turmeric And Mustard Oil Paste:

Turmeric is one of the most popular ingredients, which can be used to treat leucoderma. Take 1tsp of turmeric powder and add 2tsp of mustard oil and mix well. Apply on the affected area and leave for 15 minutes before washing off. Apply this paste twice daily to get relief.

2. Margosa Leaves And Honey Juice:

This is yet another amazing home remedy that can do wonders and treat this skin disorder effectively. For this, you need to crush few margosa leaves. Extract the juice. Add 1tsp of honey in 2 tsp of juice and mix well. Drink this concoction. Though it tastes bitter, it helps in providing relief.

3. Bakuchi Paste:

To prepare this home remedy for leucoderma, you need bakuchi (Psoralea carylifolia) and vinegar. Mix them together and apply this paste on the white patch.

4. Ginger Juice:

Take raw ginger and blend with water. Sieve to get the juice. Drink this twice a day to heal leucoderma.

5. Pepper And Ghee:

This is yet another interesting home remedy that can be used to treat leucoderma. Take 10gm ghee. Add 10 pepper and heat. Remove pepper from ghee. You can use this ghee with your daily food. Regular intake of this ghee can help purify blood and also improve immunity.

6. Neem Paste:

Take neem leaves. Make a paste by adding buttermilk. Apply this paste on affected areas during night and wash it off in the morning.

7. Tamarind Seed Paste:

This is a tried and tested remedy that numerous leucoderma sufferers swear by! For this, you need to soak tamarind and psoralea seeds in water for 3-4 days. Then grind them to paste and apply it on the affected area daily.

[ Read: Home Remedies For Spotless Skin ]

8. Goosefoot Vegetable Juice:

Apply the juice of this vegetable on the affected area daily. Continue for 2 months and watch it do its magic on your skin.

9. Pomegranate Powder:

Grind a handful of dry pomegranate leaves. Have about 8 grams of this powder every morning and evening to treat leucoderma.

10. Black Gram Paste:

Another home remedy that can help provide relief from leucoderma is black gram. Grind black gram, add water to form the paste. Apply it on the affected area for 4-5 months to make your skin get back to its original glory.

A Few Pointers to Remember if You are Suffering from Leucoderma:

If you have digestion problem then give up wheat, dairy and processed sugar. Start consuming probiotic. If you are a vegetarian, take B-13 supplement. Avoid eating citrus fruits like lemon, orange etc. Consume walnuts and figs. Figs have healing properties and walnut purifies blood. Consume raw basil leaves with water. Do not take fish or meat with milk. Avoid curd at night if you have any skin problem. Brinjal should be avoided.

Yoga For Leucoderma:

Here are a few yoga asanas you can try to treat leucoderma:

1. Viparitakarini Asana:

Find a wall in your house that is free of pictures. Roll a blanket up and place it at the bottom of the wall where the ground meets it. Now, lay on your back, butt facing/against the wall and hips up on the blanket with your legs up the wall. Stay in this pose for 5 or more minutes. This posture is called Viparita Karani

2. Gomukhasana:

Sit in crossed leg posture so that the right leg is placed over the left one. Avoid bending at knees. Now inhale gradually and raise the right hand over the head by bending right hand elbow. Now bring both the hands behind the back and interlock fingers of both hands. Exhale gradually and repeat the same procedure by reversing arms and legs position.

Some Facts:

This de-pigmentation of skin may increase or multiply. It may affect different areas of the body, such as the area around the mouth, near eyes, navel, nostrils etc. The body hair that grows on the affected area turns white. Some people believe that leucoderma is hereditary. This painless skin disorder affects a person emotionally and psychologically. It is majorly seen amongst middle aged women. It cannot be transmitted via touch or sharing things.

[ Read: How To Treat Uneven Skin Tone? ]

What Causes Leucoderma?

Loss of melanocytes.
Presence of Cytokines protein in the body.
Deficiency of calcium.
Post-dermabrasion.
Chronic liver disease.
Malfunction of the digestive system.
Burns and accidents.
Tattoos on the skin.

What Are The Symptoms?

Small white patch on the skin that does not itch or hurt.
Hair on the patch becomes white.
Loss of hair.
Premature graying of hair.

A person can be diagnosed with leucoderma on the basis of the following reasons:

Family history.
Autoimmune diseases.
Other skin problem, sun burn, rash.
Physical illness, stress.
Sensitive skin.
Blood test.

Every person desires to have a flawless skin. But very few are blessed with it. Skin is the largest organ of our body and it acts as a protective shield.

Healthy skin reflects healthy lifestyle. You can follow a simple skin care regime to keep your skin healthy.