What is vitiligo?

THE Vitiligo is an acquired disease, the cause of which has not yet been fully clarified, but which is apparently associated with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are pathologies in which the organism recognizes its cells as foreign and carries out its destruction. Thus, in vitiligo due to this destruction of cells, pigmentation is completely absent in some areas of the skin. Therefore, in this disease, melanocytes - cells that produce melanin and pigment the skin - do not exist in depigmented areas.

In these depigmented areas, white skin patches are usually well defined and tend to be symmetry. Some spots have reduced dimensions, but in other situations, the larger white spots unite, affecting larger and larger areas of the skin surface.

In accordance with the above, depigmented spots are more noticeable in people with dark or more tanned skin.

When can vitiligo appear?

In about a third of the cases there is a genetic predisposition associated with the onset of the disease.

This disease that affects the skin can appear in people of any age, although there are indicators of a higher frequency of appearance around the age of 20. According to several studies, there are no significant differences regarding gender and races.

In summary, in addition to genetic inheritance, patients with vitiligo can see the onset of the disease triggered by various internal (infections, acute pathologies, etc.) and external factors, such as stress.

How can vitiligo be treated?

Traditional treatments involve the use of hydroquinone and psoralen compounds.

In addition, some products are used that minimize the existing aesthetic problem:

• Use of color correctors - use of corrective makeup
• Use of self-tanners (creams whose components oxidize the skin surface and give artificial color to the skin even in the absence of sun)
• Use of sunscreens with high protection index

How can acupuncture help solve the problem of vitiligo?

Chinese medicine agrees that this pathology is associated with autoimmune diseases. However, he adds that the disease is also associated with liver problems (liver), causing a phenomenon of global toxicity of the body. This is because, from the liver it is transported to the blood and from the blood to the skin.

For this reason, the Chinese Medicine treatment approach involves treating:

1. The skin
2. The liver
3. Emotions
4. The Kidney

The skin, for the obvious reasons, we need to help regenerate the melanocytes. In Chinese medicine, this is possible! There are results that indicate that about 40% of patients achieve complete remission.

The liver, to start the process of detoxifying the blood and the body.

Emotions, helping to fight anxiety, reducing stress and improving self-esteem.

The Kidney, as it plays a crucial role in Immunity and by improving the health of the kidney, we improve the immune system, reducing the effects of autoimmune destruction.

In addition to acupuncture for the treatment of vitiligo, there is also the area of phytotherapy (plant therapy). Therefore, with natural herbal formulas, we can help a lot in recovering from the effects of this disease.

The last “weapon” is epigenetics! Evaluating and correcting deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and amino acids with supplements is essential! Sometimes they are in deficit and this is related to vitiligo.

Finally, we remind you that sun exposure increases the contrast between areas of skin with normal pigmentation and depigmented areas. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure entirely and use all means of protection such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses.