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Research Paper | Homeopathy | India | Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023 | Rating: 6.1 / 10
Treatment of Vitiligo after Phenotypic Assessment: An Evidence - Based Case Report of a 32-Year-Old Female Treated by Homoeopathy
Dr. Saurabh Bali | Dr. Shambhvi Dhyani | Dr. Sunil Kumar [20]
Abstract: Patient: Female, 32, Final Diagnosis: Multifocal-vulgaris Vitiligo. Symptoms: Hypopigmented macular patches, Frontal headache, Hot feeling in eyes, Flatulence. Clinical Procedure: Oral Medication. Introduction: Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterised by the selective destruction of functional melanocytes, resulting in the appearance of non-scaly, chalky white macules. It is the most common chronic depigmenting disease with an estimated worldwide prevalence 0.5- 2%.[8] Although symptomless, it has a significant psychological impact as it is socially stigmatised, even in developed societies. Case Report: We present a case of a 32-year-old female patient who came to us after failed results from skin grafting and UVR therapy for her Vitiligo patch on left forearm. This represents a common scenario in homoeopathic OPDs, where patients arrive disappointed with conventional treatments in such cases. In order to treat her Homoeopathically, her phenotype was thoroughly evaluated through a comprehensive analysis of her medical, family, and constitutional history, taking into account her overall mental and physical characteristics as well. Based on this Homoeopathic remedy, Natrum muriaticum was selected. This promptly elicited significant improvement of Vitiligo macular patches over the course of next 2 months. During the follow-up changes were documented by photographs. The non-invasive methods VitiQoL[10] (For Vitiligo) and VAS scale for other symptoms were used to assess treatment progress. Possible causal attribution of outcome with treatment was evaluated using MONARCH.[9] Conclusion: Underlying cause of Vitiligo involves a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors, along with the contribution of autoimmune mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to contemplate a treatment approach that is not merely limited to external projection of the disorder ie. ?White Vitiligo patches? and instead address the underlying cause of the disorder. This is done by selecting the medicine taking into account the phenotype of the patient which will eventually lead to treatment of the impacted melanocytes holistically. Pharmacogenomics is the future of medicine and Homoeopathic basis of prescription is very much on the lines of the same. The positive outcome in this case, supports the need for further investigation of the relevance of phenotypic assessment based Homoeopathic treatment in such cases where the disorders have genetic and epigenetic causes.
Keywords: Vitiligo, Leucoderma, Homeopathy, Evidence-Based Medicine, Case report
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 5, May 2023,
Pages: 2560 - 2567