Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by portions of the skin losing their pigment.
This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes. Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.
VitiligoThe exact cause is unknown. Research suggests vitiligo may arise from autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes. In vitiligo, the immune system may destroy the melanocytes in the skin (auto-immune disease).
The global percentage of people affected with vitiligo is less than 1%. Many people develop it in their twenties, but it can occur at any age. The disorder affects all races and both sexes equally, however, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin.
Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it.
Vitiligo Autoimmune diseases such as Addison’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes mellitus tend to occur more often in people who have vitiligo.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The only sign of vitiligo is the presence of pale patchy areas of depigmented skin which tend to occur on the extremities. The patches are initially small, but often grow and change shape. When skin lesions occur, they are most prominent on the face, hands and wrists. The loss of skin pigmentation is particularly noticeable around body orifices, such as the mouth, eyes, nostrils, genitalia and umbilicus. Some lesions have increased skin pigment around the edges. Patients who are stigmatized for their condition may experience depression and similar mood disorders.
Vitiligo can be diagnosed with medical history, physical exam, and tests to diagnose vitiligo.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Homoeopathy can provide very fruitful results in vitiligo cases. The basic tendency of the individual to develop white patches is rooted out with homoeopathic treatment. Holistic approach is always beneficial for the removal of the disease as well as for improving the immunity. Blackish spots starts to appear in the affected areas and over a period of time (varies with individual) the whitish patches can be fully healed. Or in certain well progressed cases further progress can be prevented.