An 8-year-old boy, Mast. A. A. (PIN: 23238) from the USA started with homeopathic treatment by following online protocol on 15th May 2015 under Dr. Shah for his complaints of vitiligo. His first vitiligo spot was noticed in April 2015. He had hypopigmented spots on his lips. He was on mild steroids when he started treatment with Life Force Homeopathy. His parents had realized that Corticosteroids may arrest the progression of Vitiligo and lead to re-pigmentation by suppressing immunity, however, on stopping its use, not only Vitiligo will return, but it may even increase and this may make it more difficult to treat. So, without waiting, on an urgent basis, they started with Homeopathic treatment.

With regards to his physical generals, his appetite was average. He had a strong craving for fish, he would eat processed fish 2-3 times a week. However, when he started treatment with Life Force Homeopathy, he was advised to stop eating the seafood, as it has been observed that industrial chemicals (such as mercury) could enter our body through seafood, particularly fish, which better be avoided. We have observed at Life Force that certain fish leads to a sudden aggravation of Vitiligo in some patients.

In the past, he had suffered from Eczema which was treated by using local steroids. He started to show positive changes from the first follow-up. 

Based on his case details, Dr. Shah prescribed his research-based molecules for 4 months to the patient.

Follow-Ups:
On 7th September 2015, the patient reported the hypopigmented spots on the lower lip were better by 90%. No new spots had appeared There was no spread in the existing spots. About 90% improvement was observed in the child’s condition, however, the child was on local steroids too, so it was difficult to understand which medicines were helping him. It was advised to the patient to taper off the use of steroid as it causes suppression of the lesions.

As parents were discouraged regarding the use of steroids, they started the use of steroids once a day instead of twice a day for 2 months. And, later, they tapered off the use of steroids on alternate days for the next 2 months and then completely stopped the use of steroids.

He was persistently showing the improvement and, after stopping steroids, no steroid withdrawal symptoms were noticed.

On 9th May 2016, parents happily reported about his recovery. The child was better by almost 95%. Just small light patch was left on the upper right lip that was barely visible but noticeable if paid attention to it. He continued with the Homeopathic treatment for complete recovery.

Conclusion:
This case highlights that the parent's awareness about the temporary relief with steroids and opting for homeopathic treatment on time helped the child to recover from Vitiligo involving difficult areas. 

Written by Dr. Mithila K, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah