Vitiligo (Shwitra) is known in Ayurveda as Shwitra or Kilasa, a type of Kushtha Roga (skin disorder), caused by the vitiation of Pitta and Kapha doshas. This doshic imbalance leads to the loss of skin pigmentation due to the destruction or suppression of melanocytes. It manifests as white patches on the skin and is considered a chronic condition with psychological and genetic factors also contributing to its development.
Types of Shwitra (Vitiligo) – Ayurvedic Classification
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Vataja Shwitra: Dry, rough, slightly red patches with cracking and mild itching.
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Pittaja Shwitra: Coppery-red patches with burning, eruptions, and rapid progression.
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Kaphaja Shwitra: Thick, white, oily patches; slow spreading with smooth pale skin.
Modern Classification of Vitiligo
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Focal: Localized depigmented patch in a specific area.
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Segmental: Unilateral patches with stable progression, linked to Vata imbalance.
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Generalized: Symmetrical widespread depigmentation; Tridoshic involvement.
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Mucosal: Affects mouth, eyes, genitals – linked to Rakta Dhatu and Bhrajaka Pitta.
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Acrofacial: Affects face, hands, and feet due to Kapha-Pitta imbalance.
Signs & Symptoms (Lakshana)
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White or hypopigmented patches (Shveta varna mandalas).
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Smoothness (Snigdhata), dryness (Rukshata), or slight scaling.
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Loss of Bhrajaka Pitta function in affected areas.
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Possible loss of sensation (Sparsha gyanahani) in chronic cases.
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No itching or discharge in most types.
Causative Factors (Nidana)
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Dietary: Viruddha Ahara like milk + fish, excessive curd, sour and fermented foods, new grains, and sweets.
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Lifestyle: Suppression of natural urges, over-sleeping, night awakening, chemical exposure, poor hygiene.
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Dosha Imbalance: Mainly Pitta and Kapha; Vata may aggravate spreading and dryness.
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Psychological: Fear, anxiety, stress, and grief affecting skin through weakened Raktadhatu and mind-body connection.
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Genetic: Hereditary factors (Beej dosha) if either parent has a history of Shwitra.
Ayurvedic Approach to Treatment
At Aimil Healthcare, we address Shwitra through dosha balancing, blood purification, restoration of Bhrajaka Pitta, and removal of nidana (root causes). Our approach is holistic and tailored for sustainable skin pigmentation recovery.
1. Dietary Regime (Ahara Chikitsa)
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Avoid viruddha ahara (milk with fish, sour fruits, fermented foods, curd at night).
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Favor tikta, kashaya, and deepana foods: neem, turmeric, patola, methi, green gram, old rice.
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Use Tikta ghrita and warm water for digestion and detox support.
2. Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara Chikitsa)
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Avoid stress, day sleep, and harsh weather exposure.
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Practice abhyanga with Bakuchi taila or Karanja taila.
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Wear breathable cotton, avoid synthetic materials and chemical exposure.
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Include yoga, pranayama, and meditation to reduce manasika hetus.
3. Panchakarma Therapy (Shodhana Chikitsa)
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Snehapana with Tikta ghrita or Mahatikta ghrita.
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Vamana (for Kapha), Virechana (for Pitta), Raktamokshana for local patch purification.
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Basti if chronic or Vata involvement is evident.
4. Palliative Therapy (Shamana Chikitsa)
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Internal: Kaishora guggulu, Arogyavardhini vati, Gandhaka rasayana, Manjishtadi kwatha, Sarivadyasava.
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External: Bakuchi taila, Karanja taila, Tuvaraka taila; Lepa with bakuchi churna, triphala, chandana, sariva.
5. Ayurvedic Drug Therapy (Aushadha Chikitsa)
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Internal: Bakuchi churna, Gandhaka rasayana, Khale kshara, Kaishora guggulu, Sarivadyasava.
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External: Application of Bakuchi, Tuvaraka, Karanja taila; lepa with melanocyte-stimulating and blood-purifying herbs.
Ayurveda provides a comprehensive, root-cause-oriented therapy for Vitiligo, combining detox, nourishment, and rejuvenation to restore skin tone naturally.
