Vitiligo is more than just a skin disorder

Vitiligo is a common condition in which the skin loses the pigment called melanin that determines its colour. This results in irregular, pale or milky white patches on the body. Also known as Leucoderma, it affects approximately 1 in every 200 people worldwide. Being a chronic disorder, Vitiligo tends to run an unpredictable course. It affects males & females equally and can be commonly seen in children as well. Children whose both parents are affected by vitiligo are at more risk of having it.

Beyond just a skin disorder 

Vitiligo though affects skin, can be extremely stressful considering the social stigma associated with it. It affects not only one’s emotional state, but also one’s psychological well-being, family or social life, career and self-esteem. 

If an unmarried girl or boy starts getting white patches on the body, the first hurdle they face is in getting the marriage proposal. Did you know that vitiligo could be the grounds for divorce? Furthermore, as people are not aware about vitiligo and its causes, they feel scared of interacting with the Vitiligo affected individuals, thinking that it might be contagious.

Patients are worried that the patches should not spread and increase in size, especially on the face. It may lead to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem in them. So the treatment for vitiligo needs to focus on complete well-being of a patient with focus on medical, emotional and psychological improvement.

Before we go to the treatment, let us also talk about what causes vitiligo.

What is it that causes Vitiligo?

The fundamental mechanism which causes vitiligo is loss of melanin, a pigment imparting skin its native colour. This pigment is produced in the cells called 'melanocytes'. When melanocytes die or are unable to function, it results in the loss of melanin, causing colourless, white patches on the skin, leading to vitiligo. The exact cause of what causes this still remains indistinct. A number of factors may contribute. These include:

• Autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes in the skin
• Family history (heredity) of vitiligo
• Certain stressors like sunburn, extreme stress or exposure to industrial chemicals

Homeopathy Treatment for Vitiligo

It is important to recognize and deal with the psychological components of this disease to improve quality of life of the patients suffering from it  and to obtain a better treatment response. Homeopathy does this. Homeopathy treatment for vitiligo is natural and without side-effects. The primary aim of homeopathy treatment is to stop or slow down the further destruction of melanocytes and stimulate re-pigmentation in the existing patches. The best part of homeopathy treatment for vitiligo is that it extends beyond the physical symptoms of Vitiligo. It also addresses the underlying conditions of mental stress and depression that are seen in many cases of Vitiligo.

Can Vitiligo be cured with homeopathic treatment? Yes, by and large. It is easier to treat the fleshy parts of the body but more difficult to treat the bony areas. Similarly, the skin above the lips often takes longer. However, the treatment success also depends on the extent of the areas in which the white patches have spread. The more extensive the area, obviously it takes longer to heal. The conclusion is therefore that early the treatment taken, more the chances of maximum recovery. Even when complete cure is not possible, with homeopathic treatment, you can stop or slow down the progression of de-pigmentation and attempt to return some color to your skin.