Light therapy vs. Homoeopathy for Vitiligo
Vitiligo is not just a skin condition with white patches. Every patient affected by it has their own story to tell. They may act normal or comfortable in their own skin in front of other people, but initially, dealing with the social stigma and discriminatory behaviour can be quite challenging. However, patients no longer have to look for solutions to hide their white spots. Vitiligo is a highly treatable and manageable skin disease. In today’s blog, we aim to inform our patients about the two most effective medical interventions commonly recommended for treating vitiligo, i.e. Light therapy ( also known as phototherapy) and Homeopathy. Continue reading to know the benefits and differences between both treatment options.
What is vitiligo?
Simply put, vitiligo is a disease that causes the development of white patches on various areas of the skin. It is an autoimmune and non-communicable condition ( you cannot develop this disease by being in contact with a person who already has it. Although the condition can run in families, it is not always due to genetic causes.
Causes of vitiligo
- An autoimmune condition: Your immune system wrongly identifies healthy cells (melanocytes) as harmful invaders, like bacteria. This causes your immune system to overreact and create antibodies that attack your melanocytes.
- Genetic changes: Changes in your DNA can impact how your melanocytes work. More than 25 genes may raise your chances of getting vitiligo.
- Stress: If you go through a lot of emotional or physical stress, especially after an injury, the amount of pigment your melanocyte cells produce might change.
- Environmental triggers: Things like sun exposure and harmful chemicals can affect how your melanocyte cells work.
The sole purpose of mentioning the causes was that the treatment plans are influenced by the underlying factors contributing to the condition. So, before you make up your mind to seek a cure for vitiligo, do gain information about whether anyone in your close relatives was affected by the condition or not. If you have any other autoimmune issue or suspect having it, you must tell your doctor.
Also, patients, be completely aware of your symptoms, other health issues, or any other information you wish to share with your doctor. This will prevent any delay and help doctors to understand you better. You can write all such pointers on a piece of paper and carry it with you during the consultation process. Now, it is time to know the treatment options better. Initially, we will begin with light therapy treatment.
Does light therapy work on vitiligo?
Light therapy is a medical methodology that uses ultraviolet rays to restore skin pigmentation in vitiligo patients. The process involves exposing the affected areas of the skin to ultraviolet rays (UVB) of specific wavelengths. These rays might be effective in stimulating the production of melanocytes in acute cases. Approximately one session of light therapy lasts for 5 to 10 minutes. Now, whether the therapy works on curing vitiligo can be understood by knowing its success rate.
What is the success rate of light therapy for vitiligo?
The success rate of this therapy depends on several factors, including;
- Treatment Frequency
- Duration of the condition
- The area of the body affected
Research shows that phototherapy can achieve repigmentation rates of 50% to 70% in patients with non-segmental vitiligo, with significant improvements often noticeable after several months of consistent treatment. The effectiveness of light therapy also varies based on the location of the vitiligo patches.
- Areas such as the face and neck tend to get pigmented more quickly, with repigmentation rates around 44.2%.
- While regions like the hands and feet may be less responsive.
- The frequency of light treatment sessions is an important factor to consider.
- Light therapy is a slow process, and multiple sessions are usually necessary to see noticeable results.
Consulting a dermatologist can provide personalised information and guidance. So, from the above information, we can conclude that light therapy is a slow and less effective option for vitiligo treatment. However, we will end our discussion about this treatment option by mentioning the side effects of light therapy for vitiligo.
What are the side effects of light therapy for vitiligo?
Common side effects associated with light therapy include;
- Skin irritation: Symptoms may include stinging, redness, itching, or a sunburn-like reaction.
- Skin damage: This can manifest as burns or blisters resembling a sunburn.
- Dry skin: The skin may become excessively dry.
- Premature ageing: Extended treatment may lead to an increase in wrinkles or fine lines.
We believe that these reasons are sufficient to consider the fact that homeopathy provides the most effective treatment for vitiligo.
Can vitiligo go away with homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a safe and gentle medical system that implements the usage of natural remedies made from plants and minerals prescribed in minimal doses to cure a condition. Initially, a homeopathic practitioner focuses on understanding the patient’s condition thoroughly. Their treatment is completely in accordance with the patient’s unique symptoms and overall health. Homeopathy aims to correct immune dysfunction by taking into account genetic predisposition and addressing associated autoimmune diseases so that every patient receives a cure for their condition from its roots.
Is homeopathic vitiligo treatment effective?
The homeopathic treatment for white spot on skin is worth your time and patience. It is considered to be comparatively more effective than any other treatment option due to the following conditions;
- Corrects the root cause
- Treats acute as well as chronic vitiligo
- Safe and side-effect-free
- Customised treatment
- Long-lasting Relief
However, patients can get faster treatment results if they start seeking homeopatchic vitiligo medicine as early as possible. Every delay simply delays the treatment outcome. We believe that these reasons are enough to reflect on the fact that homeopathy offers the best treatment for vitiligo.
Bharat Homeopathy for vitiligo treatment naturally
If you are searching for truly effective treatment options for vitiligo, consider exploring our all-natural and highly effective treatment plan at Bharat Homeopathy, which is specifically tailored to address your unique requirements. Our dedicated doctors bring years of experience in managing autoimmune diseases, ensuring you receive the best care possible. They adopt a personalised and contemporary approach to vitiligo disease treatment that emphasizes natural healing. Combining time-honoured homeopathic remedies for vitiligo with innovative customisation techniques, they strive to provide one of the most advanced and effective treatment experiences for vitiligo patients. Do contact us today to learn more about our treatment plans.