Vitiligo
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease characterized by discolored patches in skin affecting various areas of the body such as face, hands, legs, mouth, etc. The skin and mucous membranes appears white spots or patches referred as macules. The hair appears grey in color. It is more common in people with black or brown skin as compared with people with lighter skin. The occurrence is more common before the age of 30 but can occur at any age group.
Types of vitiligo
There are three types of vitiligo depending on the involvement of the areas on the body.
Non-segmental vitiligo
Non-segmental means there is symmetrical pattern of discoloration and is bilateral which means it can occur in both sides of the body. This type can occur at any age. Non-segmental vitiligo are of following types.
Focal vitiligo:
This type involves a single area seen as few discolored spots.
Generalized vitiligo:
This type is more common, randomly distributed areas of discoloration.
Universal vitiligo:
This type encompasses most of the body.
Mucosal vitiligo:
This type is seen only in mucous membranes.
Segmental vitiligo:
Segmental vitiligo follows no symmetrical pattern and is static in its course. It mostly affects areas of skin associated with dorsal roots from spinal cord. Segmental vitiligo is mostly unilateral.
Causes:
Vitiligo occurs when the pigment producing melanocytes stops producing the pigment melanin. Melanin is responsible for color of the skin. As a result of lack of melanin, there is depigmentation seen as discolored patches on the skin. The other causes are:
Autoimmune disorder -The patient’s immunity may produce antibodies that destroy melanocytes.
Genetic – Chances of getting vitiligo can be hereditary and is more common. Nearly 30% – 40% of vitiligo cases run in families.
Neurogenic – From the nerve endings in the skin, substance that are toxic and harmful to melanocytes are released which causes depigmentation.
Others – certain factors such as physical or emotional stress also trigger vitiligo.
Signs and Symptoms:
Vitiligo is not painful and is mainly a cosmetic condition unless associated with autoimmune disease. As there is lack of melanocytes, macules are sensitive to sunlight than rest of the skin, so there is more tendency they will burn rather than tan. People with autoimmune disease like hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, alopecia areata are more likely to get vitiligo. The most common symptoms are depression, anxiety as they embarrassed about their skin and they develop self low esteem.
Treatment:
Homeopathy has proved successfully in the treatment of vitiligo mainly when treated early. Around 30-40% of vitiligo who were unsuccessful in their prior treatments like Repigmentation, light therapy and steroids had good outcome with homeopathic medicine. Patients are treated from the onset and underlying diseases and psychological factors and treated accordingly. The main benefit of homeopathy treatment for vitiligo is it gives lasting relief, effective and free from the side effects. There are patients with side effects from steroidal therapy and had taken homeopathy to get cured. Homeopathic medicines such as silicea, Arsenicum sulfuratum flavum,hydrocotyle asiatica etc had proved tremendous results in vitiligo patients. The result is effective mainly when treated in early stages of vitiligo.
Homeopathic medicines also boost the self confidence and cures other underlying factors causing vitiligo. Talk and consult to homeopathy doctor regarding all your concerns about vitiligo and get it cured as early as possible.
