Historical
Record of Vitiligo - World Vitiligo Awareness Day
INTRODUCTION
Vitiligo has a historical record of more than 4000 years first mentioned in ancient Indian texts known as “kilas” or white-spotted deer. After many years and generations, Bruno Bloch in 1917 discovered the actual reason; the loss of melanocytes behind these white spots that were responsible for hate, fear, segregation, and inhumane behaviour towards victims. Sometimes making it difficult for the affected person to work normally or get married.Although
many years have passed the stigma around vitiligo is still present causing
mental and physical harassment towards the victim worsening their condition.
Around 0.5-2% of people around the world suffer from vitiligo. Most of the
cases are concentrated in Africa, which could have been due to the extreme sun
exposure.
Types of vitiligo:
How many types of Vitiligo are there?
Vitiligo has been divided into two forms non-segmental Vitiligo (NSV) and Segmental Vitiligo (SV). Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease; it is a condition in which the body’s immune system can’t differentiate between the native and foreign cells thus attacking the healthy cells.
Non-segmental vitiligo NSV:
Non-segmental vitiligo also known as general vitiligo is the most common type. In this condition, white patches appear on the back and front of a person and are common in areas which are rubbed often like hands, feet, neck, and face. Non-segmental vitiligo is not concentrated in a specific area and the patches become more visible as time progresses.
Segmental vitiligo SV:
Segmental vitiligo as the name suggests starts in an area and after progressing for a year or two stops on its own, segmental vitiligo is less common and it usually starts at an early age.
How can vitiligo be divided in accordance with spots/patches?
Depending upon the pigment loss in the area vitiligo is subdivided into 3 subtypes:
Localized.
Generalized.
Universal.
Localized:In localized vitiligo generally, one or two spots appear on the body.
Generalized: Colorless patches appear on the whole body of the affected person.
Universal: This is a rare form of vitiligo where around 70-80% body is affected.
CAUSES
Vitiligo appears in those areas of the body where the production of melanin has been stopped. Melanin is a pigment that is produced by the body to provide colour to the skin.
Loss of melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) leads to these indistinct non-flaky white patches. There are several other factors that are associated with the vitiligo as;
- Genetics
- Poor immune system
- Stress
- Severe sunburn
- Medicine reaction
A person with vitiligo shouldn’t marry a vitiligo person as it’s very much possible for the disease to be passed on.
COMPLICATIONS
Vitiligo not only affects a person’s appearance but also leaves them mentally stressed and disturbed. Vitiligo can affect both men and women; Victimization is considerably higher among the females forcing them to seek consultation more frequently. Back in the ancient times when people were not so medically advanced confusing vitiligo with leprosy which was incurable, contagious, and mortally, people with vitiligo were often abandoned and were forced to live in exile as people consider it a punishment for sin.
TREATMENT
Although medical science has made great advancements vitiligo is still one of the conditions where total cure is not possible as of now. There are some medicines and ointments that can slow down the spread. But some of these medicines have contradicting results from working to some extent to worsening the condition. PRP is also a way of treating vitiligo but that too has no concrete data to support it.
Now, I am sharing a cure that I have tried and it worked better than anything that I have tried. If it works for you do pass it to others.
TREATMENT BY WAY OF HOMEOPATHIC
Some people don’t consider homoeopathy as a science or medicine at all. But there are some homoeopathic medicines that you can try without worrying about side effects as homoeopathic medicines have no side effects. Homoeopathic medicines such as Carcinocsim, Syphilinum, and Calccnia have worked for me, and there’s no harm in trying.
Even if you chose to take these medicines or not, or they work for you or not the most important thing is to take care of yourself and stand up against bullying or discrimination. Never let anyone get on your nerves and seek help. There’s no shame in that.
0 Comments