Vitiligo
Description
This is a fairly common disorder in which patches of skin lose their pigmentation. It is particularly obvious in people of color.
Causes
It is thought to be an auto-immune disorder. It may also be brought on by some food supplements e.g. PABA, presumably a food sensitivity as well as arsenic exposure.
Metal sensitivities have also been reported, including arsenic and nickel. Nickel dermatitis was associated with wearing nickel plated spectacle frames and involved contact points on the face.
Signs & Symptoms
Light patches of skin are sensitive to light but, otherwise, the disorder is mostly cosmetic, with some psychological ramifications, especially if the face is affected.
Application of a phenylalanine cream together with exposure to UV light (like a “tanning bed”) has also given good results.
About one-third of patients will experience a spontaneous recovery.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function:
Multi Vitamin/Multi Mineral Formulas &
Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| B-complex | 50-100 mg |
| Betaine HCl* | |
| EPO | 1-3 g |
| L-phenylalanine* | |
| PABA | 100-300 mg |
| Vitamin B-5 | 300 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
PABA may also be given as a treatment but more mundane treatments emphasise copper.
Some older case studies have also implicated achlorhydra, so a hydrochloric acid preparation, usually Betaine, to assist with digestion may be beneficial.
Homeopathic Remedy
One report, from overseas, using proprietary products which may not all be available in the U.S.
Hydrochinon
Para-Benzochinon and
Ubichinon.
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Clement, R. : The complementary approach to dermatological disorders. BHI. 1997.
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Calendula
Ginkgo
Khellin
St. John's Wort
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
A promising new herbal approach is emerging, from Ayurvedic medicine: An extract from khella (Ammi visnaga). Khellin, the active constituent, appears to work like psoralen drugs by stimulating repigmentation through increasing sensitivity of melanocytes to sunlight. Studies have used 120-160 mg of khellin per day.
Another Ayurvedic herb is picrorrhiza.
St. John's Wort also achieves this, indeed it is usually listed as one of its contraindications.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Frankincense Essence, | Myrrh Essence, |
| Sage Essence, | Sandalwood Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Achlorhydria
Hyperthyroidism
Pernicious anemia
References
Abdel-Fattah, Aboul-Enein MN, et al. An approach to the treatment of vitiligo by khellin. Dermatologica 1982;165:136—40.
Allison, J.R.: The relation of HCl and vitamin B complex deficiency in certain skin diseases. Southern Med. J. 1945, 38: 235 - 241.
Antoniou, C. et al: Vitiligo therapy with oral and topical phenylalanine with UVA exposure. Int. J. Dermatol. 1989, 28(8): 545 - 547.
Binkley, L.K. & Papa, C.M.: Chronic arsenicism with vitiligo, hyperthyroidism and cancer. N. J. Med, 1989, 86(5): 377 - 380.
Francis, H.W.: Achlorhydria as an etiological factor in vitiligo, with report of four cases. Nebraska Med. J. 1931,16: 25 - 26.
Kim, H.I. et al: Two cases of nickel dermatitis showing vitiligo-like depigmentations. Yonsei Med. J. 1991, 32(1): 79 - 81.
Kuiters, G.R. et al: Oral phenylalanine loading and sunlight as source of UVA irradiation in vitiligo on the Caribbean island of Curacao N.A. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 1986, 89(3): 149 - 155.
Montes, LF, Diaz, ML, Lajous, J, Garcia, NJ. Folic acid and vitamin B12 in vitiligo: a nutritional approach. Cutis 1992;50:39-42.
Ortonne, JP, Bose, SK. Vitiligo: where do we stand? Pigment Cell Res 1993;6:61-72.
Murray, M.T. & Pizzorno, J.E.: An Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Pbng, Rocklin, CA.
Reunala T & Collin P: Diseases associated with dermatitis herpetiformis. Br J Dermatol, 1997 Mar, 136:3, 315-8.
Schulpis, C.H. et al: Phenylalanine plus ultraviolet light: preliminary report of a promising treatment for childhood vitiligo. Pediatr. Dermatol. 1989,6(4): 332 - 335.
Siddiqui, AH, Stolk, LM, Bhaggoe, R, et al. L-phenylalanine and UVA irradiation in the treatment of vitiligo. Dermatology 1994;188:215-8.
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