Is my vitiligo localised? And it may stay only limited spread without spreading to other part of my body?? - #27805
I am 18 years old .. I had vitiligo that starts on February and spread till May month...I don't know wheather it spreads fast or slow because i had long hair that time... When white hair and few dots comes over neck then only i realised and cut the hair..the i known to see that there was a 1 bigpatche and one small patch and few dots near them... Then I went treatment on july month ..it was stable now .. MY DOC gives me dexamethasone tablets weekly... IMPORTANT: I had no patches in any other part of my body...it is only in my back scalp and back neck .. Is this localised?And It may stay only limited to those areas ?
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Doctors’ responses
Start Bakuchi churna/capsules (usually 1–2 g daily, only under supervision).
External: Bakuchi taila (oil) applied over white patches. Start with very diluted form or mix with coconut oil → do a patch test first (it can irritate).
After applying, gentle sun exposure for 5–10 min in morning helps repigmentation.
Hello Vignesh I can understand your concern about vitiligo but dont worry we are here to help you out😊
✅From what you have shared ( I am just summarizing the symptoms)
Age: 18 years Vitiligo started in Feb → spread till May (only at back scalp & back neck) Now stable since July after treatment No patches elsewhere in the body Doctor has prescribed weekly dexamethasone (oral mini-pulse therapy often used to control active spreading).
✅ Is it Localised?
👉 Yes, based on your description, this seems to be localised vitiligo (restricted to scalp and back of neck).
👉Since it hasn’t appeared anywhere else in the last 8–9 months, and your doctor has already controlled its activity, it indicates stable/localised vitiligo for now.
👉White hair in the affected patch suggests follicular involvement, which can make repigmentation slower, but still possible.
✅ Will It Spread? Vitiligo is unpredictable — for some, it remains limited to one area for life, while in others it may spread. ➡️Good signs in your case: 👉Only one region involved. 👉Stabilised after starting treatment. 👉No family history mentioned (if family history is absent, chances of generalised spread are lower).
If you continue treatment + healthy lifestyle, there is a good chance it may remain localised and stable.
NOTE - I will advice you to continue weekly once dexamethasone and along with it start ayurvedic mediaction for improving your immunity and reduce the progression of spread
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT
✅INTERNAL MEDICATION 1 Manjisthadi ks tab 2-0-2 after breakfast and dinner 2 Sarivasavam 30ml-0-30ml after breakfast and dinner 3 pigmento 1-0-1 after food 4 Markava rasyana 1 tsp at bed time follwed by warm water
✅EXTERNAL TREATMENT 1 Markava taila - Apply on head half hour before bath
✅DIET AND LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION
👉Avoid excessive stress (a major trigger).
👉Reduce sour & fermented foods, junk food, excess non-veg, and chemical hair dyes.
👉Include green leafy veggies, beetroot, carrot, figs, dates, walnuts, black sesame seeds.
👉Protect Skin
👉Avoid frequent trauma, harsh chemicals, or excessive sunburn on patches.
👉Controlled sunlight exposure (5–10 min morning sun) helps repigmentation.
☑️Yes, currently your vitiligo is localised and stable.
☑️With regular treatment and care, there’s a good chance it will stay limited to scalp/neck.
Wish you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
We can’t surely tell about progression of the vitiligo patches. It may or may not spread to other areas.
1.Shashilekha vati 2 tab twice daily with lukewarm water, after meal 2.Arogyavardhini vati 2 tab twice daily with lukewarm water, after meals 3.Khadirarishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily, after meals 4.Shwitarari lepa- apply on the affected area twice daily
Avoid having too much curd and fishes. Avoid day sleep Dont use chemical products on the affected area
Hope you will get well soon…
HELLO VIGNESH JI,
NEED PERSONAL CONSULTATION.
please visit nearby Ayurvedicphysician/panchkarma centre for further advice and treatment.
Take care😊
Don’t worry take udayadityaras 1tab bd , swayambhu Guggulu 1tab bd, mahamanjsiadhi gana vati 1tab bd, luekoskin oil external application and avoid spicy food, viruddha ahara,
1. Avalgujabeejadi choornam mix with some milk to make it as a paste and apply over the area and wash off after 30 minutes. - Do this once or twice daily. 2. Manjishtadi kashayam 15 ml+ 45 ml lukewarm water twice daily before food ( to detox the body).
Avoid fermented and sour foods. Avoid excess salty and spicy foods.
Vitiligo can be unpredictable. It has been stable and no new spots have appeared. Also you start treatment early. If it is segmental or focal it may stay limited.
hello vignesh,
You are 18 and have vitiligo that started around February, primarily affecting your scalp and neck. Initially, the patches were not noticeable because of long hair. Over time, you noticed a large patch, a small patch, and some small dots near them. You started treatment in July, and according to your doctor, the condition is now stable. Based on what you described, this appears to be localized vitiligo, meaning it is confined to one small area (scalp and neck) and has not spread to other parts of your body. Localized vitiligo often remains limited, but it can sometimes slowly spread depending on stress, immune factors, or triggers like injury or sunburn. Early detection and treatment, like what you are doing now, improves the chances of stabilization and stopping further spread.
Treatment Notes:
Your doctor prescribed Dexamethasone tablets weekly, which is a systemic steroid aimed at controlling immune activity and preventing further spread. Because vitiligo is an autoimmune-related skin condition, treatment is usually gradual and long-term, focusing on stabilizing existing patches and sometimes repigmentation.
For scalp vitiligo, topical treatments like steroid creams, tacrolimus ointment, or PUVA therapy are sometimes used in combination with systemic therapy to promote repigmentation.
Lifestyle & Care:
Protect the affected areas from sunburn. Use a mild sunscreen on exposed patches. Avoid injury, harsh chemical exposure, or irritation to the scalp, as trauma may trigger new patches.
Maintain good nutrition with antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables; vitamins B12, C, D, and folic acid can support skin health. Minimize stress, as it can sometimes worsen autoimmune conditions.
Prognosis: Localized vitiligo often remains limited, especially if the patches are stable and treatment continues. Regular follow-up with your dermatologist is important to monitor for any new patches or changes.
Investigations (if required):
Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, TSH) – autoimmune thyroid issues can be associated with vitiligo. Blood sugar and vitamin B12 levels – sometimes deficiencies can worsen vitiligo.
From your history, since the patches are stable and confined, there is a high likelihood that this vitiligo will remain localized if you continue treatment and care for your scalp properly. Early stabilization is a good sign.
Warm regards, Dr. Karthika
Dear Vignesh, Thank you for explaining your history so clearly 🌸. Let me break it down for you in simple words:
1. Type of Vitiligo You Have
Since you only have patches in one region (back of scalp + neck) and nowhere else, this looks like localised vitiligo (sometimes called segmental vitiligo if it stays on one side/area).
Because it hasn’t appeared on other body parts since February and is stable after treatment, that’s a good sign.
2. Will It Stay Limited?
In many people with localised/segmental vitiligo, the disease remains confined to that area and does not spread widely.
However, in some cases, vitiligo can start localised and later spread to other areas (called generalised vitiligo).
The fact that yours has been stable for months with treatment makes it more likely to stay limited, but no doctor can guarantee with 100% certainty.
3. Dexamethasone Weekly
Doctors often use “oral mini-pulse” steroids (like dexamethasone once/twice a week) to control the immune activity and stop spreading.
Since you’re only 18, your doctor is trying to stabilise the vitiligo early, which improves chances of limiting it.
4. What You Can Do
Regular follow-up: Keep seeing your dermatologist; stability for 6–12 months is a very positive sign.
Protect from sunburn: Always apply sunscreen on exposed areas (like your neck). Sunburn can trigger spreading.
Healthy habits: Adequate sleep, stress control, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, veggies, nuts) may help.
Avoid trauma: Repeated friction (tight collars, scratching) may worsen local patches.
✅ So yes — yours looks like localised vitiligo for now. ✅ It may stay limited only to scalp & neck, especially since it’s stable under treatment. ❌ But, because vitiligo is unpredictable, regular monitoring is important.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any doubt or if you need any medicines.Take care With warm regards Dr.Sumi
Hi Vignesh this is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem… No need to worry… Better you go with one classical VIRECHANA… Along with oral medicines… Rx- avalagunjadi lepa external application for affected area T vitilocare 1-0-1 T Gandaka rasayana 1-0-1after food
Start with Khadirarist 10ml twice daily after food with water Aarogyavardhini 1-0-1 after food with water Divya melanogrit 1-1-1 after food with water Leukoskin oil local application on affected area Avoid wrong combination of food like milk with salty foods/ citrus fruits/nonveg food.
HELLO VIGNESH,
In Ayurveda, vitiligo is categorised as “SWITRA” or “KILASA” , which refers to skin discolouration caused by an imbalance of doshas, particularly pitta( governs heat, metabolism, and pigmentation ) and sometimes kapha(governs stability and moisture). The disease is considered tridoshaja ( involving all three doshas), but with pitta dominance because pitta controls melanin or pigmentation in the skin.
ROOT CAUSES -improper diet- e.g; milk with fish, sour+ milk- viruddha ahara - poor digestion- leads to toxin buildup - emotional stress- aggravates doshas and autoimmune response -long term use of harsh medicines - vitamin and mineral deficiencies(especially B12, D, COPPER)
YOUR SYMPTOMS -only scalp and back neck has a patch not on other part of body- which suggest localised vitiligo and that is good sign that it is not spreading or localised vitiligo can be treated easily
TREATMENT GOAL -stop the spread, it should not spread or occur on other part -detox the body -stimulate pigmentation - support long term skin healing -prevent recurrence - re-pigment exist ones, restore confidence and skin health naturally
START INTERNALLY WITH
1) BAKUCHI CHURNA- 125 mg once daily slowly increase to 250 mg with honey or ghee in morning = stimulates melanocytes
2) KHADIRARISHTA- 20 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner = detoxifies blood, clears skin
3) AROGYAVARDHINI VATI- 1 tab twice daily after meals = improves liver and metabolism
4) MAHAMANJISTHADI KASHAYA- 15ml with water twice daily before meals = anti-inflammatory, blood cleanser
5) GUDUCHI TABELTS- 1 tab twice a day in morning and night = builds immunity, reduces autoimmune reaction
6) RASAMANIKYA- 65 mg with honey in morning = stimulate pigmentation(best one )
LOCAL APPLICATIONS
1) BAKUCHI TAILA+ GOMUTRA - apply directly on spots , sit in early morning sun-10 mins, then wash
2) MANJISTHA+ NEEM+ TURMERIC+ BAKUCHI CHURNA PASTE - make a paste with rose water or aloevera gel apply for 20 mins then rinse = helps purify skin and reduce spread
3) NEEM OIL + COCONUT OIL(50:50)- apply at night = soothes skin, reduces inflammation
DIETARY GUIDLINESS TO FOLLOW STRICTLY
AVOID -milk+ sour fruits like orange, lemon - milk+ salt or salty snacks - fish + milk -curd, panner- especially at night - fermented foods- bread, vinegar, pickles -junk food, chocolates, cola, chips
INCLUDE -FRUITS=apple, papaya, pomegranate, jamun, figs -VEGETABLES= pumpkin, ash gourd, spinach,carrots -PROTEINS= moong dal , tofu, soaked almonds, ghee -SUPERFOODS= amla, turmeric, black pepper, sesame seeds -BUTTERMILK
DRINK warm water, avoid ice cold drinks. cook fresh food. try to eat at the same time daily.
LIFESTYLE AND MIND MANAGEMENT
PRANAYAM -Anulom vilom= balances all doshas, calms stress -SHEETALI/ SHEETKARI- cools pitta, soothes mind -Bhramari- calms nervous system and skin
OTHER -sleep by 10 pm -morning sun exposure for 10-15 min - avoid exposure to chemical creams, fairness products - try trakata(candle gazing) to stabilise mind and reduce emotional triggers
HEALING TIMELINES
1-2 MONTHS= skin health improves, new spots stop 3-6 MONTHS= light re-pigmentation starts 6-12 MONTHS= visible color returns in patches
Take this medicines and kindly stop dexamethasone tablet as it may weaken immunity
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY TO GET RESULT
HOPE THIS MIGHT HELP YOU
WISH YOU A SPEEDY RECOVERY
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
From your description, you are an 18-year-old individual who was diagnosed with vitiligo in February. It spread until May, and you noticed it when white hair and small dots appeared on your neck. After cutting your hair, you found a large patch, a small patch, and a few dots on your back scalp and back of your neck. You started treatment in July, and the condition is now stable. You are taking dexamethasone tablets weekly.
Based on your description, the condition appears to be localized to a specific area of your body (your back scalp and back of your neck). This is often referred to as localized or focal vitiligo.
Regarding whether it will remain limited to these areas, it’s difficult to say with absolute certainty. Vitiligo can be unpredictable. However, in cases of localized vitiligo, it may remain confined to the affected area for a long time. In some instances, it may spread slowly over time, or in other cases, it may not spread at all. The fact that it has been stable since you started treatment is a positive sign. Your doctor’s guidance and continued treatment are crucial for managing the condition.
In Ayurveda, vitiligo (known as Shweta Kushta or Kilasa) is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the three doshas, primarily Pitta and Vata, which affect the melanocytes (cells responsible for skin pigmentation). The imbalance is also thought to be linked to a weakened digestive fire (Agni) and the accumulation of toxins (Ama). . Dietary Changes: An Ayurvedic diet would be recommended to balance the doshas and improve digestion. This may involve avoiding certain foods that are considered incompatible or that increase Pitta.
Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques like yoga and meditation, as well as a regular daily routine, may be advised.
Panchakarma: In some cases, detoxification procedures like Virechana (purgation therapy) or Raktamokshana (bloodletting) may be considered to cleanse the body of toxins.
HELLO VIGNESH,
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks melanocytes- cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, this results in white patches on the skin
COMMON CAUSES -genetics- family history - nutritional deficiencies-especially vitamin b12, D, copper, zinc - autoimmune disorders-thyroid issues - stress-emotional or physical trauma - skin injury or sunburn -chemical exposure
In Ayurveda vitiligo is referred to as shwitra(a type of kushta roga- skin disease), mainly caused by imbalance of the pitta dosha, combined with kapha and vata involvement.
PATHOGENESIS- viruddha ahara(incompatible food), excessive consumption of sour, salty, fermented food, or mental stress leads to accumulation of toxins(ama) and vitiation of blood and skin tissues.
INTERNALLY START WITH
1) SOMARAJI GHRITA- 2 tsp o emoty stomach with warm water/mik =detoxifies liver, promotes melanocyte regeneration , very effective in chronic cases.
2) RAS MANIKYA WITH GUDUCHI SATVA- 60mg + 1/2 tsp with honey =controls autoimmune response, improves skin tone
3) SWARNA MAKSHIK BHASMA- 125 mg with honey at night = helps improve liver function and immunity
4) CHITRAKADI VATI- 2 tabs after meals =improves digestion, reduces toxins, balances pitta
5) SHVITRAHARA LEHYA(FROM ARYA VAIDYA SALA, KOTTAKAL)- 1 tsp daily In morning = specific for vitiligo and leukoderma
6) MAHAMANJISTHADI KASHAYA- 20 ml with water twice daily after meals =useful in skin disease including eczema, vitiligo
can also go for panchakrma = virechana and raktamokshana at panchakarma clinic
EXTERNAL APPLICATION
1) BAKUCHI OIL- apply on affected area once a day -after applying expose to mild early morning sunlight 15 mins
2) KUMKUMADI TAILA- safe facial oil to improve skin tone =apply at night
DIET -eat black gram, green leafy veggies -amla, pomegrante, beetroot, carrot - whole grains, ghee
AVOID -curd, fish with milk, fermented foods, citrus fruits in excess -non vegetarian food, alcohol, smoking, processed foods -cold water bath and harsh cosmetics
STRESS MANAGEMENT -practice pranayam daily- anulom vilom, brahmari - meditation reduces cortisol and may help prevent progression - Can take brahmi vati- 1 tab at night for anxiety reduction
Vitiligo treatments take time. Ayurvedic therapies take 3-6 months or more to show visible improvement
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA
Vitiligo can be categorized based on its pattern and extent of involvement on the body. From your description, it seems that your condition can be termed localized, though ‘localized’ often refers to patches that are confined and limited to a specific area as you described - your back scalp and neck. However, vitiligo’s behavior can be unpredictable — it may remain stable, or spread to other regions even if it’s currently under control.
Focusing on keeping your condition stable can be supported through Ayurvedic principles. Vitiligo is generally associated with imbalances in the doshas, predominantly in the Vata and Pitta. Keeping your doshas balanced could help maintain stability. The emphasis should be on pacifying the Pitta and Vata doshas.
Diet plays an important role in managing dosha imbalance. Consider avoiding sour and fermented foods like yogurt and pickles, as they can aggravate Pitta. In addition, nightshades like tomatoes and potatoes should be minimized. Try incorporating foods with a cooling effect like cucumber, spinach, and carrots, alongside spices such as turmeric and coriander.
In Ayurveda, detoxification (Panchakarma) might be recommended but should be done under professional supervision. Localized application of beneficial oils such as coconut or Bakuchi oil to the affected areas may promote skin health. Alongside this, meditation, not only aids stress management but keeps you grounded — as stress often worsens skin conditions.
Since corticosteroids such as dexamethasone are in your regimen, it’s crucial to consult your physician before adding or altering any treatment. Assure that any Ayurveda practices align with allopathic treatments. This ensures safety and maximizes the efficacy of maintaining vitiligo’s stability. Prioritize consistent follow-ups with your health care providers to monitor your condition.
Based on your description, it appears that your vitiligo is localized, as you mention patches only on your back scalp and neck with no other areas affected. This form of vitiligo can sometimes remain limited, but I must emphasize that predicting its progression can be challenging. Vitiligo’s behavior varies, with some cases stabilizing naturally while others might slowly spread.
In the Siddha-Ayurvedic context, this condition often relates to an imbalance in the body’s doshas, primarily Pitta and Vata. The skin is seen as a reflection of internal health, and balancing these doshas can help manage the condition. In addition to your current medication, consider integrating some traditional practices that align with your treatment.
1. Diet: Opt for a Pitta-pacifying diet. Include cooling foods like cucumber and melons, while minimizing spicy, sour, and acidic foods. This helps in reducing inflammation and maintaining skin health.
2. Herbal aids: Neem and turmeric have been traditionally used for their skin-healing properties. A paste made of neem leaves or turmeric can be applied externally, but do ensure you aren’t hypersensitive to these ingredients.
3. Lifestyle: Engage in calming activities like yoga and pranayama, which help balance Vata, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
4. Abhyanga (oil massage): Use coconut oil for regular scalp massage. It’s soothing and helps maintain healthy skin.
Since you are under conventional treatment, it’s good to keep in close communication with your doctor about any new routines or herbal supplements you might start. And remember, while these Ayurvedic methods can complement your ongoing treatment, they should not replace professional medical advice.

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