Vitiligo
From Wiki4CAM
Vitiligo is loss of pigmentation of skin. It causes white patches on the skin. However, the condition can also affect the eyes, mouth and nose. It is due to the destruction of the cells that give color to the skin. The reason for this phenomenon is unknown. It is more common in people with autoimmune diseases and there may be familial tendency. The condition usually occurs before age 40. The areas where the skin is exposed to the sun are usually affected by the condition. The patches may spread to other parts also. It may also cause gray hair. Many drugs used for vitiligo have side effects.
Contents |
Causes
As mentioned above the exact cause of vitiligo is unknown. However, the factor includes autoimmunity and family history. It is also associated with pernicious anemia, hyperthyroidism and addison's disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms include milky-white patches, premature whitening or graying of the hair on the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard, loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of the mouth (mucous membranes) and loss or change in color of the inner layer of the eye (retina).
Patterns of vitiligo
Focal: White patches limited to one or a few areas of the body.
Segmental: Affection on only one side of the body.
Generalized: Widespread across many parts the body.
Examination
Visual examination is enough to diagnose the condition. Skin biopsy is needed only to rule out other causes of thyroid or other hormones, and vitamin B12 levels.
CAM therapies for vitiligo
Acupuncture
Local points are more helpful. The aim of the treatment is nourishing the kidney, promoting the blood circulation and dispelling pathogenic wind.
Ayurveda
In ayurveda vitiligo is called svitra or kilasa. Ayurvedic herbs useful for vitiligo include Acacia catechu, Vernonia anthelmintica, Emblic myrobalans, black pepper, black sesame seeds, Psoralea corylifolia and Vakuchi.
Herbal remedies
Many herbs like Ammi visnaga, Psoralea corylifolia, Black cumin, Barberry Root are helpful in the treatment of vitiligo.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are used parallelly in the treatment of vitiligo. Drugs indicated for vitiligo are Alumina, Arsenicum album, Arsenicum sulphuratum flavum, Natrum muriaticum, Sepia, Silicea, Sulphur, Calcarea carbonica, Carbo animalis, Mercurius, Nitricum acidum, Phosphorus and Phosphoric acid.
