Abstract

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES AND TREATMENT ON VITILIGO

Harshal Santosh Mahajan*, Amol Jagan Narwade, Vaishnavi Shivhari Shejul, Dr. G. R. Sitaphale and Dr. P. R. Tathe

Abstract

Vitiligo, a common depigmenting skin disorder, has an estimated prevalence of 0.5–2% of the population worldwide. The disease is characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes which results in typical nonscaly, chalky-white macules. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of vitiligo which is now clearly classified as an autoimmune disease. Vitiligo is often dismissed as a cosmetic problem, although its effects can be psychologically devastating, often with a considerable bur-den on daily life. In 2011, an international consensus classified segmental vitiligo separately from all other forms of vitiligo, and the term vitiligo was defined to designate all forms of nonsegmental vitiligo. Vitiligo is a common, acquired disorder of skin pigmentation that can significantly impact quality of life. It often represents a therapeutic challenge, which has resulted in interest in alternative treatments.

Keywords: .