Vitiligo

Understanding Vitiligo

Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, either die or stop functioning.The condition can progress over time, with patches often enlarging and affecting various parts of the body. While not life-threatening or contagious, it can cause distress and impact one's self-esteem.

Causes of Vitiligo

coccurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes colour. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die. be related to :

• A disorder of the immune system (autoimmune condition)
• Family history (heredity)

  A trigger event, such as stress, severe sunburn or skin trauma, such as contact with a chemical

Symptoms of Vitiligo

Will often lose pigment quickly on several areas of skin. After the white patches appear, they may stay the same for a while, but later on, they might get bigger. May have cycles of pigment loss and stability.

Vitiligo commonly affects:

1. Body folds (like armpits)
2. Places that have been injured in the past
3. Areas exposed to sun
4. Around moles
5. Around body openings
6. Mucous membranes (tissues that line your nose and mouth)
7. It can also affect eyelids and hair.
8. It's rare for pigment to return once the white patches have developed.

Vitiligo Types

There are five types of vitiligo

1. Generalised

   It is the most common type. This is when discoloured patches show up all over the body.

2. Segmental

   It is when vitiligo is confined to one area of your body, like face or hands.

3. Focal

   It happens when the discoloration stays in one spot and doesn't spread.

4. Trichrome

   It is when there is an area of heavy discoloration, followed by an area of lighter discoloration, followed by regular-colour skin.

5. Universal

   It is a rare type. If you have this, at least 80% of your skin is discoloured.

Vitiligo Diagnosis

Doctor can usually make a diagnosis of vitiligo by looking at skin during a physical exam. might also have other tests, including :

1. Blood Test
2. Skin biopsy - where a sample of skin is sent to a laboratory for further examination
3. A Wood's lamp test - where a doctor looks at your skin under UV light

Homoeopathy and Vitiligo

Sanjivani Homoeopathic remedies offer a holistic approach to treating vitiligo, focusing on individualised constitutional symptoms to select the most suitable remedy. Remedies like Calcarea Carb, Arsenic Album, Sepia, Silicea, and Sulphur are commonly used based on specific symptoms and constitutional makeup. These remedies address not only the physical symptoms but also the mental and emotional aspects associated with vitiligo.

These remedies address not only the physical symptoms but also the mental and emotional aspects associated with vitiligo.

Homoeopathic Medication for Vitiligo

1. Calcarea Carb - For Milky White Spots on the Skin.

   Calcarea Carb is a top grade constitutional medicine for Vitiligo. It is prescribed to patients of Vitiligo with milky white spots on skin. These white spots can appear anywhere on the body. In Homoeopathy constitutional symptoms are given extreme importance while selecting medicine in any given case. These unique constitutional symptoms guide in the selection of Calcarea Carb . The first among these is the tendency to free perspiration over the head, neck and chest. Next is intolerance to cold weather. Certain peculiar cravings may be present – eggs, lime, pencils. Person needing Calcarea Carb may show a tendency to catch cold easily. Weakness of bone may also be found. Easily fatigued by exertion. The tendency to chronic constipation and obesity also guides the selection of Calcarea Carb in vitiligo. On the mental sphere, the person may show a number of fears. The prominent fears among them are fear of misfortune, of contagious disease, of losing reason and of insanity.

2. Arsenic Album – For Vitiligo in Anxious Personalities

   Arsenic Album is yet another useful remedy for vitiligo in persons prone to dry, rough skin. The skin shows whitish spots and the skin is dry, dirty and rough. The skin complaint alternating with respiratory complaints like asthma is a strong pointer for using Arsenic Album. In general sphere warmth is a relieving factor for persons needing Arsenic album. Warm applications over skin and warm drinks are highly desirable. Burning sensations in varying body parts may also be noticed. Extreme exhaustion may also be present. There are peculiar constitutional symptoms that allow us to select Arsenic Album in vitiligo treatment. The most prominent out of these are fears and anxieties. This remedy is often indicated in persons who have fears including that of death, disease, germs and of catching infection. Patients requiring Arsenic Album are highly anxious personalities. They may show anxieties about health, trifles and anxiety about others. Marked restlessness is often seen on both mental and physical planes in persons needing Arsenic Album. Next distinctive feature for selecting the Arsenic Album in vitiligo is fastidiousness. People demanding extreme neatness and order in everything are yet another suitable subjects requiring Arsenic Album.

3. Sepia – For Vitiligo in People with Indifferent Attitude

   Sepia is another important remedy in the list that is selected constitutionally in vitiligo treatment. If the constitutional picture of Sepia matches with that of a person suffering with vitiligo, it possesses a great ability to completely eradicate the disease. constitutional symptoms that indicate the use of sepia are – having an indifferent approach towards life and family. They show aversion towards family members and friends who were once loved with great affection. They lack interest in doing any work. Tendency to avoid both Physical or mental labour is present . They are constantly depressed with marked irritability, weeping tendency, desire to be alone and an aversion to consolation or sympathy. The use of Sepia must also be thought in women with menstrual irregularities or those around menopausal age with a tendency to hot flushes.

4. Silicea – Constitutional Medicine for Vitiligo

   Silicea carries a good scope to treat vitiligo when selected as per the constitutional makeup of the person. The set of symptoms that indicate the use of Silicea are – 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 . There are few characteristic mind symptoms that need attention when selecting Silicea. The main mind symptoms are timidity and an under-confident nature. Silicea may be thought of in people who seem under-confident, fear public speaking, are timid and bashful. Obstinate behaviour and stubbornness may also indicate its use.

5. Sulphur – One of the best Medicines for Vitiligo

   Although Sulphur is mentioned quite low down in the list for treating vitiligo but it's worth is equivalent to above narrated medicines. . Sulphur is a deep acting medicine used frequently in treatment of varying skin diseases including vitiligo. It goes deep inside the basic root cause to annihilate the disease in its complete extent. The persons requiring Sulphur usually show a philosophical mindset. They are popularly referred to as ‘ragged philosophers’. Their mind is constantly occupied with various theories and plans. As a result they suffer from mental fatigue and absent mindedness. They take little or no care for their physical appearance and even show aversion to bathing. Persons who have suffered a lot from skin troubles, itchy skin with long term use of ointments are also likely to benefit from use of Sulphur. Apart from all above said symptoms, burning sensations in various body parts may be present along with white spots on skin. An extraordinary craving for sweets may also be shown as a constitutional symptom.

6. Kali Carbonicum – With light-coloured spots

   Dryness of skin with light-coloured spots all over the body. Sensation of burning and lancinating on the skin.

7. Hydrocotyle Asiatica

   Stimulates pigmentation of the skin in discoloured patches. Pricking on different parts of the skin.

8. Natrum Carbonicum

   Discoloration of skin with roughness and dryness. Chapped skin. Dry skin accompanied by profuse sweating on least exertion.

9. Ars Sulph Flavum

   One of the rare, yet excellent remedies used to treat vitiligo in dry skin which may show cracks. Scaly, itchy, white spots on body parts are indicative of this remedy.

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homoeopath will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of Ulcerative Colitis,homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Consulting a Homeopath

When considering homoeopathic treatment for vitiligo, consulting a qualified Sanjivani homoeopath is essential. A Sanjivani homoeopath will conduct a thorough assessment, taking into account the individual's physical symptoms, mental state, and overall health history to prescribe the most appropriate remedy. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to monitor progress and ensure optimal results.