Homeopathy & Vitiligo

Vitiligo [white patches] may not be a life-threatening problem, but it can be extremely stressful.

It is not uncommon for women with vitiligo to be discriminated against in matrimony, or marriage. If vitiligo affects one after marriage, it is often a strong ground for divorce.

Most people having vitiligo present with low self-confidence, insecurity, depression, besides social withdrawal and suicidal tendencies. This is because the disorder not only affects one’s emotional state, but also one’s psychological well-being, familial or social life, career and self-esteem. More so, when white patches appear on certain areas of the body — the face, hands, arms, and feet.

Adolescents are often shattered by vitiligo; others may feel just as much humiliated, miserable, or apprehensive about how others react, or look at them.

People with vitiligo are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer.

What is vitiligo

Vitiligo is a disagreeable chronic skin disorder. It is triggered by a combination of autoimmune, or genetic, and environmental factors. Psychological, or emotional, stress is also suggested to be a likely trigger. Besides, the disorder is frequently associated with low haemoglobin levels, diabetes and thyroid problems.

What research says

Research has identified certain genes in people with vitiligo. They are believed to be also associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as type-I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis [joint disorder].

• Vitiligo affects approximately 1 in every 200 people worldwide
• Around 40 per cent of vitiligo patients have a family member with the disorder
• Some vitiligo patients may, at times, have increased risk of developing kidney disease and alopecia areata [patchy hair loss].

Homeopathy: The safe, effective treatment for vitiligo

Homeopathy views skin disorders, such as vitiligo, as the outer expression of an underlying, dormant problem in the body’s built-in regulatory mechanism, or defence system. The early, pioneering homeopaths called this the ‘vital force.’ Today, this is called immunity.

Picture this. When a skin problem is suppressed unnaturally with conventional drugs, creams and ointments, a problem that is unrelated to the skin may occur with rapid intensity. It is a vicious cycle, which we all know — but, something we don’t often give enough thought to.

Homeopathy does not suppress skin complaints, or illness. It heals the distress from deep within. It is for this reason that professional homeopaths have always proposed a practical, holistic plan of treatment for skin disorders — the basis on which homeopathic medicines for vitiligo too is prescribed.

Put simply, homeopathy treats the external problem — in this case, white patches — with homeopathic medicine taken in oral form internally. This is quite unlike conventional medicine, where most external problems are treated merely as a surface problem.

Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo not only help to control the spread of white patches; they also help in repigmentation [or, return of the individual’s normal skin colour] by enhancing the natural formation of melanocytes — without side-effects.

Most importantly, homeopathy reduces the chances of recurrence — or, the possibility of white patches reappearing again.

Self-Help

• Protect your skin. Use a sunscreen (SPF 30), enriched with echinacea, a natural moisturiser, which protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It helps guard the skin from sunburn and long-term damage. It also minimises tanning — this makes the contrast between normal and depigmented skin less apparent
• Conceal imperfections. Cosmetics that cover the white patches on skin may improve one’s appearance and help one feel better about oneself. Such products may be particularly effective if one has vitiligo limited to the exposed areas of the body. Speak to your homeopathic doctor about products that are safe and also suit the affected individual’s skin best
• Fish and milk myths. There is no need for dietetic restrictions in vitiligo.