Vitiligo or Leucoderma is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The hair that grows on areas affected by vitiligo sometimes turns white.
Largely, there are two process at work towards producing Vitiligo
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. There is strong evidence that people with vitiligo inherit a group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation. The most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because vitiligo is an autoimmune disease ie. a disease in which a person's immune system reacts against the bodies own organs or tissues.
Vitiligo is associated with three systemic diseases
The condition affects about 1% of the United States population and world population, about 8% of Indian and Mexican population suffer with this disorder.
Vitiligo can hardly be called as a disease but a skin-disorder that has more social than medical significance, especially amongst the dark skinned people.
People who develop vitiligo usually first notice white patches (depigmentation) on their skin. These patches are more commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to appear are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, genitals, and rectum.
Vitiligo generally appears in one of three patterns
In addition to white patches on the skin, people with vitiligo may have premature graying of the scalp hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of color inside their mouths.
While vitiligo is usually not harmful medically, its emotional and psychological effects can be devastating. In fact, in India, women with the disease are sometimes discriminated against in marriage. Developing vitiligo after marriage can be grounds for divorce.
Regardless of a person's race and culture, white patches of vitiligo can affect emotional and psychological well-being and self-esteem. People with vitiligo can experience emotional stress, particularly if the condition develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, and feet; or on the genitals. Adolescents, who are often particularly concerned about their appearance, can be devastated by widespread vitiligo. Some people who have vitiligo feel embarrassed, ashamed, depressed, or worried about how others will react.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to help people cope with vitiligo
Vitiligo is not an external but an internal malady, arising out of faulty immune system with genetic predispositions.This disease require a full case analysis so that well selected remedy must be selected for the patient.Homoeopathy is able to stimulate bodys natural healing capacity and to restore the disturbed immune system.
ARSENIC SULPH FLAVUM : Useful for vitiligo with dry skin.There is cracks, scaly, itchy, skin.There is white spots on body parts.
HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA: Useful for pigmentation of the skin in discoloured patches.There is pricking on different parts of the skin.
CALCAREA CARB : Useful for milky white spots on skin.Suited to that patients who are fair, fat, flabby and who tend to perspire easily.
KALI CARB : Useful for dryness of skin with light-coloured spots all over the body.There is sensation of burning and lancinating on the skin
LOCOPLEX