Questions on white spots

Why do I get white spots on my legs in different spots and the rest of my skin looks normal?


One of the most common causes of white spots on the skin is Vitiligo or leucoderma. This is a condition in which the melanin producing cells in the body are destroyed. This causes white spots and patches on the skin which may occur on various parts of the body. The body hair in these areas may also become white. It is believed that vitiligo is caused due to inherited genes which increase vulnerability to depigmentation. This occurs because the body’s immune system starts fighting against its own tissues and organs. This is what causes the pigment producing cells to die. Another medical suggestion is that these cells may self-destroy. There is actually no known cause of vitiligo. This condition may occur in males and females and usually develops before the age of 40 years. Those suffering from hypothyroidism are more prone to developing vitiligo.

Patches or spots on the skin due to vitiligo are more apparent in areas of the skin that are exposed to sunlight. These can develop on the face, lips, arms, legs and feet. It can also occur on the armpits and around the eyes, nostrils and genitals. It is not possible to be sure if the spots will spread or not. Some individuals do not experience spreading of the patches, while in others the spots spread quite rapidly. It is essential to consult a doctor so that the condition may be diagnosed quickly and treatment can begin.

Stress has been known to sometimes cause the spots to spread and hence it is best to avoid stressful situations and triggers. Avoid using soaps and lotions that are high in chemical content. Restrict exposure of the skin to the sun. Remove citrus fruits such as oranges from your diet. Increase intake of cereals, green leafy vegetables and beans. Consume iron rich food such as liver and lentils. ginger juice has been known to increase blood circulation in the white spots and hence may be helpful. A natural remedy for reducing white spots is to consume walnuts and figs on a regular basis. Juice of cabbage may be applied to the whitened patches of skin. Increasing the consumption of cabbage in the diet will also help to reduce the spots. Black gram paste may be applied to affected areas. White spots may also be treated by applying holy basil oil on the affected areas of the skin. Drinking buttermilk after meals may also help to improve this skin condition.

answered by M W

Leucoderma or vitiligo is a rare skin disorder, characterised by white spots and patches. This is caused by the deficiency in melanin pigment. This condition is aggravated by diabetes, anemia and hyperthyroidism. It begins as a small patch, which develops throughout the body and is not infectious.

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answered by r k


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