Evidence Based Clinical Study: Homoeopathy in Vitiligo

Dr Nishant Kumar Srivastava       

Abstract
A total of 150 well diagnosed cases of Vitiligo were registered for treatment at Geetanjali Homoeopathic Clinic & Research Center Lucknow from October 2008 to November 2012. Clinical diagnosis followed by constitutional treatment with homoeopathic medicines showed amazing results in majority of cases. Out of 150 cases 65 cases showed complete repigmentation of all the white patches while 35 cases showed improvement in few patches and rest 30 cases did not show any response to the treatment. 20 cases worsened after treatment in which increment in size and number of white patches was observed. Duration of treatment varied from case to case depending on the size and number of the white patches and response of the patient. In depth case taking was done in each and every case on holistic principle giving more emphasis on causation and mental symptoms. The outcome of this study is very encouraging which gives new dimensions and confidence to young Homoeopaths in treatment of Vitiligo by Hahnemaanian principles of minimum dose and minimum repetition.

Introduction
Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of parts of skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmune, genetic, stress or viral causes. The incidence worldwide is less than 1%.The most common form is non-segmental vitiligo, which tends to appear in symmetric patches, sometimes over large areas of the body.

Prevalence & Incidence
About 0.5 to 1 percent of the world’s population, or as many as 65 million people, have vitiligo. Half the people who have vitiligo develop it before age 20. Most develop it before 40years of age. The disorder affects both sexes and all races equal, however it is more noticeable in people with dark skin.

Vitiligo seems to be somewhat more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases, including hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12).

Vitiligo may also be hereditary; that is, it can run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. In fact, 30 percent of people with vitiligo have a family member with the disease. However, only 5 to 7 percent of children will get vitiligo even if a parent has it, and most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder.

Precipitating Factors: –

• Emotional Crisis – Death in family, Loss of job, Sudden shock etc. Acute Stress may be followed by fast spreading type of vitiligo proving the theory of Troponeurosis. Emotional crisis may be an additional factor
• Gastro intestinal tract disorders like Worms, Jaundice, amoebiasis etc.
• Prolonged use of Drugs, antibiotics, Oral an ovulating agents etc.
• Local causes like trauma, burns exposure to chemicals etc.
• Pathologically: – A defect in enzyme Tyrosinase is held responsible for vitiligo. According to some Dermatologists, it is a Trophoneurosis and Melatonin, a substance secreted at nerve endings inhibits Tyrosinase, thus interfering in pigment formation.
• An Endocrinal disorder may be operative; Diabetes, Pernicious anaemia, Thyrotoxicosis, Myxoedema, and Addison’s disease may be associated with vitiligo.
• Trauma or Local irritations caused by wearing the sari or Trousers too tightly do produce vitiligo in individuals predisposed to it.

Conclusion

• The overall impact of this evidence based scientific study is encouraging. It reveals that homoeopathic drugs have definite action on melanocytic cells which starts reproducing melanin resulting in repigmentation in white spots.
• The period of treatment varies according to the area and chronicity of the disease &individual response of the patient.
• Vitiligo can be reduced and cured permanently with suitable Homoeopathic drugs..
• Homoeopathic drugs are cost effective and easy to take having no side effects.
• The recurrence rate after homoeopathic treatment in vitiligo is nil or very less.

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