Definition
Vitiligo is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth. Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Any location on the body can be affected, and most people with vitiligo have white patches on many areas.
Normally, the color of hair and skin is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make feel bad about.
Vitiligo Symptoms
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 :
Vitiligo Types
There are five types of vitiligo
It is the most common type. This is when discolored patches show up all over body.
It is when vitiligo is confined to one area of your body, like face or hands.
It happens when the discoloration stays in one spot and doesn't spread.
It is when there is an area of heavy discoloration, followed by an area of lighter discoloration, followed by regular-color skin.
It is a rare type. If you have this, at least 80% of your skin is discolored.
Causes
Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die. It may be related to :
Vitiligo Diagnosis
Doctor can usually make a diagnosis of vitiligo by looking at skin during a physical exam. might also have other tests, including :
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICATION FOR VITILIGO
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 Homeopathy constitutional symptoms are given extreme importance in while selecting medicine in any given case. These unique constitutional symptoms that guide in the selection of Calcarea Carb . The first among these is tendency to free perspiration over the head, neck and chest. Next is intolerance to cold weather. Certain peculiar cravings may be present are – eggs, lime, pencils. Person needing Calcarea Carb may show 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.
Arsenic Album is yet another useful remedy for vitiligo in persons prone to dry, rough skin. The skin shows whitish spots and 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 Arsenic Album in vitiligo is fastidiousness. Person demanding extreme neatness and order in everything are yet another suitable subjects requiring Arsenic Album.
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 possess 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 labor 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 tendency to hot flushes.
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 symptom 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 behavior and stubbornness may also indicate its use .
Although Sulphur is mentioned quite low down in the list for treating vitiligo but its 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 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 be benefited 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 extra ordinary craving for sweets may also be shown as a constitutional symptom.
Dryness of skin with light-colored spots all over the body. Sensation of burning and lancinating on the skin.
Stimulates pigmentation of the skin in discolored patches. Pricking on different parts of the skin.
Discoloration of skin with roughness and dryness. Chapped skin. Dry skin accompanied by profuse sweating on least exertion.
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.
