Best Homeopathic Medicines for Vitiligo

What is vitiligo?

Vitiligo is a disease characterised by white patches on the skin due to loss of skin pigment. The white patches in vitiligo have clearly defined, sharp margins. In addition to the skin, the hair may also start turning white. Cells called melanocytes present in the skin produce skin pigment melanin. In a person with vitiligo, the melanocyte cells either die or stop making melanin. This results in white patches on the skin.

Can Homeopathy treat vitiligo?

Homeopathic medicines treat vitiligo in a safe and effective manner, by moderating the overactive immune system. Homeopathic treatment of vitiligo takes a two-way approach: first, they stop further spread of the white patches; next, they work on re-pigmenting the white spots. Among the most effective Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo are – Baryta Carb, Baryta Mur, Calcarea Carb, Arsenic Album, Natrum Mur, Silicea, Merc Sol and Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum. The ideal Homeopathic medicine is selected as per the clinical and constitutional symptoms of the person.

What causes vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease where the immune cells start to destroy the melanocyte cells – the pigment producing cells of the skin – out of a misdirected response. Having a positive family history of vitiligo puts a person at a higher risk of acquiring the disease. Stress, sunburn and chemicals may also trigger vitiligo.

Can vitiligo spread from one person to another via touch?

No, vitiligo does not spread from one person to another through touch.

I have white spots on my skin. Could it be vitiligo?

Vitiligo is one of the major conditions where white spots appear on the skin, but it is not the only condition with this symptom. White spots on the skin may also arise in conditions such as tinea versicolor, albinism, pityriasis alba, naevus depigmentosus, leprosy and lichen sclerosus. Further investigation is needed before a conclusive diagnosis can be made.

Which parts of the body can vitiligo affect?

Vitiligo can affect any body part, but in most cases, the hands, feet, face, arms and lips are initially involved.

What are the various patterns in which vitiligo appears?

Vitiligo mainly appears in three patterns. It could take the focal pattern, in which white spots are limited to one or a few areas of the body. Vitiligo may also be segmental, where white spots appear only on one side of the body. In generalised vitiligo, white spots appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.

At what age does vitiligo start?

Vitiligo can start at any age though it mostly begins in the 20 to 30 year age group.

I have had white spots on my hands for a few months. They have been diagnosed as vitiligo. What are the chances they will spread?

The course of spread of vitiligo cannot be predicted and varies from person to person. In some persons, vitiligo does not spread further and remains limited to the initial spots. While in others, it spreads to other parts of the body. In some persons vitiligo spots spread at a very fast pace while in others, it progresses slowly.

How much time does it take to recovery fully from vitiligo with Homeopathic medicines?

The effectiveness and duration of treatment vary from person to person, ranging from a couple of months to a year. The major factors that decide the duration of complete recovery in vitiligo are the extent of white spots, how long the spots have been there and the individual body response to Homeopathic medicines.

Can topical applications or ointments help treat vitiligo?

No, ointments don’t help in vitiligo. The cause of vitiligo is internal, not external. Therefore, any treatment for vitiligo must take an inside-out approach. Homeopathic medicines work internally by addressing the cause of vitiligo and moderating the overactive immune system.

Can avoiding certain foods heal or worsen vitiligo?

There is neither a specific food product that can cure vitiligo nor any foods that can worsen it. However, some suggest that citrus fruits, non-vegetarian food and milk products should be avoided in vitiligo. The claim, however, lacks supportive evidence.

What is the role of vitamin D in vitiligo?

Vitamin D plays a very significant role in vitiligo cases. Research shows that vitamin D3 supplements slow down progression of vitiligo. Intake of vitamin D supplements and medicines that moderate the overactive immune system collectively works to treat vitiligo.

Which Homeopathic medicines are prominently indicated for treating vitiligo?

Homeopathic medicines most prominently indicated for treating vitiligo include Baryta Carb, Baryta Mur, Calcarea Carb, Arsenic Album, Natrum Mur, Silicea, Merc Sol and Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum.

How is the best Homeopathic medicine for vitiligo selected?

Homeopathy offers a wide range of medicines for treating vitiligo, but there is no one Homeopathic medicine for all vitiligo cases. The ideal Homeopathic medicine is selected based on the symptom presentation, after a detailed study and analysis of the constitution of the person and the clinical symptoms involved.

Homeopathic Medicines for Vitiligo

Baryta Carb and Baryta Mur – Well indicated Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo

Baryta Carb and Baryta Mur are well indicated Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo. Persons needing Baryta Carb will have white spots on the skin that may be attended with a crawling sensation. The prominent constitutional symptoms for prescribing Baryta Carb are timidity, dullness of mind, slowness and concentration difficulties. Homeopathic medicine Baryta Mur is useful in cases where the white spots are attended with pricking sensation, itching or burning on skin.

Calcarea Carb – One of the best Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo in persons of fair, fatty and flabby constitution

In cases with fair, fatty and flabby constitution, Calcarea Carb is a very prominently indicated Homeopathic medicine for vitiligo. Fears such as that of misfortune or disaster and even insanity may prevail in persons needing Calcarea Carb. Such persons may be worried about their responsibilities and duties. A high sensitivity to cold is often found among them. In relation to food, they may show a craving for eggs and indigestible things like chalk, clay and pencils.

Arsenic Album – Constitutional Homeopathic medicine for vitiligo in persons with marked anxiety

Arsenic Album is one of the most suitable Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo in those with an anxious personality. The person may be anxious over his health, future and other little things. This anxiety is attended with restlessness, both on the mental and physical plane. Fears such as fear of death, fear of contagious disease, fear of something happening to loved ones may be present along with anxieties. Persons requiring Arsenic Album are also highly fastidious in nature. They need order and tidiness in everything.

Natrum Mur – Top rated among Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo in persons with introvert disposition

To treat vitiligo in those with an introvert or reserved personality, Natrum Mur is the most appropriate Homeopathic medicine. Such persons are very sensitive by nature. They have a tendency to weep. They often weep alone. They are averse to consolation, which worsens their mental state. A history of grief is often found in such instances. Persons needing Natrum Mur may dwell on past, unpleasant memories.

Silicea – One of the top Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo in persons who are obstinate

Silicea is another excellent Homeopathic medicine for treating vitiligo, often prescribed to persons who are obstinate in nature. Other attending constitutional symptoms include low confidence levels, fear of public speaking, fear of failure and a sensitive disposition. Irritability, timidity and nervousness are other personality traits in such persons. Offensive foot sweat may also be noted.

Merc Sol and Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum – Wonderful Homeopathic medicines for vitiligo with sweat

Merc Sol and Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum are wonderful Homeopathic medicines for treating vitiligo where the white spots on skin are attended with sweat. The sweat may be offensive in nature. Homeopathic medicine Arsenicum Sulfuratum Flavum is indicated where the white spots are attended with dry skin. Cracks on the skin may be observed. Itchiness may be present along with dryness and cracks on the skin.

What lifestyle changes can be adopted to better manage vitiligo?

Lifestyle measures such as managing stress, taking enough sleep and adequate exposure to sunlight can go a long way in managing vitiligo. Along with this, adequate vitamin D levels should be maintained through exposure to sun, taking proper diet or supplements.