The appearance of white patches on the skin is a condition known as vitiligo in which the cells that produce the pigment, melanin, are destroyed. This results in areas of discolored skin. White patches may also develop in the tissue linings of the nose, mouth and retina of the eyes.


The hair growing in the affected areas also becomes white. Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the color of the skin and the cells that produce melanin are known as melanocytes. The exact cause of vitiligo is not known for certain, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which an individual’s immune system fights against the body’s tissues and organs.


In the process, certain proteins known as cytokines are produced, which affect the melanocytes and destroy them. It may also be possible that the melancytes cause their own destruction. In some cases, it has also been observed that severe emotional stress or sunburn has triggered the occurrence of vitiligo.

The white patches usually develop first in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as the hands, arms, face, lips and feet. They can also occur on the underarm and genital areas. Vitiligo can either be restricted to a few parts of the body or it can occur on just one side of the body or it can develop on both sides in a symmetrical fashion. The hair on the scalp, eyelashes and eyebrows may also start to grey prematurely. Those with darker skin may experience discoloration on the insides of the mouth as well. The course of this disease can vary and it is usually known to develop quickly and then slow down over a course of time. In some cases, the discolored skin on the sun exposed parts of the body may regain its pigmentation as functioning melanocytes from other areas of the body or from deeper in the skin migrate to the affected areas.

A paste made from radish seeds is known to be effective in treating vitiligo. The seeds can be ground and mixed with vinegar and then applied to the affected areas. Mustard oil and turmeric can also be mixed and applied to the white patches. The turmeric must be crushed and soaked in water overnight. Heat it the next morning and strain the water. Mix the water with mustard oil and apply to the skin twice daily. Intake of St. John’s Wort extract is also known to be effective in the treatment of vitiligo.