Vitiligo is a skin condition where white patches appear on the skin due to loss of pigmentation. It can affect any part of the body, including the face, hands, arms, legs, and scalp etc. Many people living in Pune and nearby areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kothrud, Hadapsar, and Wakad are searching for safe, natural, and long-term solutions to treat vitiligo. One such trusted and time-tested method is Ayurvedic treatment.
Dr. Manoj Deshpande, a well-known Ayurvedic doctor in Pune, specialized especially in ayurvedic dermatology offers personalized and holistic Vitiligo Ayurvedic treatment at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya. He follows a unique approach that combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern diagnostic support to ensure the best outcomes for his patients.
What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo (also called “Shwitra” in Ayurveda) is a chronic skin condition where melanocytes (cells that produce skin pigment) stop functioning or die, resulting in white patches. It is non-contagious but can affect a person’s confidence and mental health. Some common causes include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Nutritional deficiencies
Causes of Vitiligo:
- Autoimmune Response: The immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), leading to white patches on the skin.
- Genetic Factors: Vitiligo can run in families. Around 20–30% of people with vitiligo have a close relative with the condition.
- Stress and Mental Imbalance: Emotional stress, trauma, or chronic anxiety may trigger vitiligo or worsen its spread by disturbing the body’s natural hormonal and immune balance.
- Imbalance of Doshas (Ayurvedic View): In Ayurveda, an imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas disrupts skin pigmentation, especially when combined with poor digestion and toxin buildup (Ama).
- Incompatible Food Habits (Viruddha Aahara): Combining foods like milk with salty, sour, or fermented items can create toxins in the body, which are believed to trigger skin disorders like vitiligo. There are so many food items which are non compatible with each other . If they are mixed and used frequently, a toxin like substance called as “Aam” is created in the body . This aam is capable of creating so many dreadful diseases especially skin ailments like vitiligo.
- Sunburn or Skin Trauma: In some cases, injury, burns, or even repeated friction in a particular skin area can trigger vitiligo (a phenomenon called Koebner’s response).
Modern Treatments for Vitiligo – Limitations and Risks:
In modern medicine, several treatment options are available for vitiligo, such as:
- Steroid creams
- Phototherapy (PUVA or UVB therapy)
- Skin grafting
- Depigmentation therapy
- Immunosuppressants
While some patients may see results, modern treatments often provide temporary relief and come with side effects such as skin thinning, irritation, or long-term dependency. Systemic use of steroid for longer period can produce serious side effects with kidneys and liver. This is where Ayurvedic treatment stands out as a natural, safer, and more sustainable approach.
Key Ayurvedic Principles in Vitiligo Treatment:
Ayurveda looks at vitiligo not just as a skin disease, but as a deep-rooted imbalance of body energies (doshas) and impurities in the blood. The treatment focuses on healing from within, by detoxifying the body, balancing the doshas, and rejuvenating the skin and mind. Let’s understand the key principles used in Ayurvedic treatment for vitiligo by Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya, Pune:
1. Shodhana (Detoxification Therapy):
In Ayurveda, diseases like vitiligo are believed to be caused by the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Dr. Manoj Deshpande uses Panchakarma therapy, a powerful detox procedure to flush out these toxins. This therapy includes Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enema), tailored as per the patient’s condition. Detoxification prepares the body to respond better to further treatment.
In addition, Leech application (Jalaukavacharana) is often included in Panchakarma to enhance localized blood circulation and reduce autoimmune responses at affected skin sites.
Also, Nityavirechan is advised for promoting regular and proper bowel movements, which supports the detox process and prevents toxin buildup.
2. Shamana (Balancing the Doshas):
According to Ayurveda, Pitta and Kapha doshas are mainly involved in skin pigmentation disorders. After detoxification, herbal medicines and classical formulations like Bakuchi, Khadira, and Manjistha are given to restore balance. These herbs help in reducing white patches, improving skin tone, and preventing further spread of vitiligo.
3. Raktashodhana (Blood Purification):
Purification of blood is one of the core steps in treating vitiligo naturally. Dr. Manoj Deshpande recommends herbal blood purifiers such as Neem, Guduchi (Giloy), Sariva, Daruhaldi, Patol and Turmeric, which improve blood quality and promote healthy skin regeneration. Clean blood ensures the delivery of proper nutrients and natural melanin-producing support to skin cells.
In specific cases, Krumi (worm infestation) is suspected to worsen skin immunity. Hence, deworming becomes essential. Medicines like Chaturthak and Krumighna Dravyas are used to eliminate parasites and improve absorption and immune function.
4. Medhya Rasayana (Mental Balance and Immunity Boosters):
Stress and emotional disturbances can worsen vitiligo, especially since it is linked to auto-immune responses. To manage this, herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi and Shankhpushpi are used to calm the nervous system and support mental health. These Medhya Rasayanas not only reduce stress but also enhance the body’s immunity and vitality.
Additionally, stress relief therapies such as Shirodhara, Abhyanga, and Nasya are incorporated to balance the mind-body axis. These therapies are helpful in calming the nervous system and improving psychological wellbeing in vitiligo patients.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Corrections (Pathya-Apathya):
Ayurveda gives high importance to diet (Aahar) and lifestyle (Vihar) in managing vitiligo. Dr. Manoj Deshpande advises patients to avoid incompatible foods such as:
- Milk with sour or salty foods (e.g., fish, pickles)
- Fermented foods, excess citrus, and preserved items
He suggests a vitiligo-friendly diet rich in natural antioxidants, including green leafy vegetables, fruits, and Ayurvedic spices like turmeric and cumin.
Patients are also encouraged to adopt daily routines (Dinacharya) and yoga practices to maintain harmony between body and mind.
Deficiency of nutrients like Vitamin D is often found in dermatological autoimmune diseases. Correcting Vitamin D levels through sun exposure, dietary support, or supplementation may support immune regulation in vitiligo patients.
These Ayurvedic principles form a holistic and natural approach to vitiligo treatment. Unlike chemical-based therapies, Ayurveda works on the root cause, offering long-term results without side effects. At Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya in Pune, Dr. Manoj Deshpande follows a customized plan for every patient based on their prakriti (body type) and disease stage.
When to Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor for Vitiligo?
- Early Signs: White patches on skin – early treatment gives better results.
- Modern Treatments Failing: Ayurveda offers safe, long-term relief.
- Patches Spreading: Helps control further spread naturally.
- Stress: Related Flare-ups: Ayurveda treats both mind and body.
- Prefer Natural Treatment: No side effects, treats root cause.
- Family History: Preventive Ayurvedic care can help.
Dr. Manoj Deshpande, a senior Ayurvedacharya with over 25 years of experience, is a leading expert in Ayurvedic skin disease treatment. He is the Founder and Chief Consultant at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ in Pune. He has treated thousands of cases of Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Leucoderma, Eczema, and chronic skin diseases using personalized Ayurvedic therapies and Panchakarma. If you or your loved one is looking for a safe and effective Ayurvedic treatment for vitiligo in Pune, consult Dr. Manoj Deshpande today. Early treatment can give better results and restore skin confidence naturally.
