Vitiligo, also known as leukoderma, is a long-term problem in which patches of skin lose their color.The condition is photosensitive. This means that the areas that are affected will be more sensitive to sunlight than those that are not.
The total area of skin that can be affected by vitiligo varies between individuals. It can also affect the eyes, the inside of mouth, and the hair. In most cases, the affected areas remain discolored for the rest of the person’s life.
It can appear at any age, but studies suggest that it is more likely to start around the age of 20 years
The lighter patches tend to be more visible in people with dark or tanned skin.
It is hard to predict whether the patches will spread, and by how much. The spread might take weeks, or the patches might remain stable for months or years.
Although, vitiligo is not a communicable or infectious disorder, it has a great social and psychological impact on suffering individual and society.Depression, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, difficulties in relationships, and avoidance of social situations have been reported in individuals afflicted by vitiligo before adulthood.
Vitiligo can cause psychological stress, especially in dark-skinned individuals for whom it causes concerning cosmetic skin changes. Also, in some parts of the world, such as in rural India, vitiligo is considered to be a social stigma, particularly for young girls.
Causes- The exact causes of vitiligo are unclear. A number of factors may contributes
Autoimmune disorder- in which the immune system becomes overactive and destroys the melanocytes.
Biochemical and oxidative stress
Genetic, neuronal and environmental factors.
Emotional Crisis – Death in family, Loss of job, Sudden shock etc.
Prolonged use of Drugs, antibiotics, Oral an ovulating agents etc.
Local causes like trauma or local irritations caused by wearing tight petticoats, burns exposure to chemicals, sunburns, cuts etc.
Complications
Vitiligo does not develop into other diseases, but people with the condition are more likely to experience:
painful sunburn
hearing loss
changes to vision and tear production
A person with vitiligo is more likely to have another autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid problems, Addison’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, or pernicious anemia. Most people with vitiligo do not have these conditions, but tests may be done to rule them out.
General Management
Expose the affected areas of the body to the early morning sun for 20-30 minutes daily.
Use a mild soap while bathing.
Avoid using any cosmetic applications on skin.
Make sure that your diet contains enough iron, meat, liver, cereals, beans, lentils and green leafy vegetables which are some of the best sources of iron.
Avoid consuming sour foods, citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, red meat, crabs and prawns.
Use of synthetic clothes should be restricted.Avoid Steroids.
Avoid stress and learn to relax.
Keep a positive attitude.
Medicinal Management
The criteria for assessing the response to the treatment of vitiligo include: cessation of spread; the appearance of skin re-pigmentation; and overall quality of life during treatment.
In allopathic system corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators, photo (chemo) therapy, surgery along with combination of therapies for the control of vitiligo are prescribed. But it is still struggling to provide effective remedial methodology for depigmentation ailment and which are available are not fully successful.
Homoeopathy treats the persons pathological condition. Treatment will be given when whole examination of patient completes. It includes medical history of patient, physical and mental conditions of patients. In homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications are also taken into account for selecting a homeopathic remedy for vitiligo.
The range of action of homeopathic medicine aims to strengthen the action of the immune system through the primary understanding that symptoms are an attempt by the immune system to achieve balance.
The experience of a homeopath treating vitiligo is that the lesions may firstly stop spreading, and existing lesions do not increase in size, and no new lesions appear. Secondly, re-pigmentation may occur, and the borders of the lesions that were formerly diffuse become more clearly marked, indicating cessation of spread. The quality of life for the patient may improve and the symptoms of associated diseases, such as thyroid dysfunction, may also improve.
Standardised validated scales are used in the assessment of vitiligo such as Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) score, Vitiligo Disease Activity (VIDA) score and Dermatological Life Quality Index; totality of symptoms along with photographs of the patients at entry, during and after treatment as the outcome assessment measures.
SILICEA TERRA
Pale and waxy skin.
Tendency to excessive perspiration on hands and feet.
Tendency to eruptions with pus formation in various body parts.
Tendency to catch cold on frequent basis.
Lean, thin physical makeup.
Thought of in people who seem under-confident, fear public speaking, are timid and bashful.
Obstinate behavior and stubbornness may also indicate its use .
HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA
It is supposed to stimulate the process of pigmentation. It is also beneficial for other skin problems such as psoriasis, lupus, leprosy, acne and other disorders of the skin in which there is much exfoliation of the skin.
This medicine is often prescribed in combination with a constitutional medicine or other deeper acting medicine to get the best effect.
ARSENICUM SULPHURATUM FLAVUM
Discoloration of the skin in blotches that are pale or white in color.
For eczematous lesions which are moist and have intense itching with corrosive discharge.
CALCAREA CARB.
Vitiligo with milky white spots on skin.
Tendency to free perspiration over the head, neck and chest.
Intolerance to cold weather.
Cravings for eggs, lime, pencils.
Tendency to catch cold easily.
Weakness of bone.
Easily fatigued by exertion .
Tendency to chronic constipation and obesity
Fear of misfortune, of contagious disease, of losing reason and of insanity.
