Facial Vitiligo with Respiratory Sensitivity Successfully Treated with Homeopathy

A 45-year-old male patient (Patient ID: 35923) presented with complaints of hypopigmented patches localized near the right nostril, the right corner of the mouth, and extending over the upper and lower lips. These patches had been present for the past two years, with a gradual onset and continuous progression. The lesions were moderate in intensity, appeared daily, and had been continuously spreading. Notably, the involvement was unilateral and included the mucocutaneous junction (MCJ). The patient had no complaints of itching or any sign of Koebner''s phenomenon. About six months before seeking homeopathic consultation, he had stopped using Melgain lotion (containing Decapeptide, a basic fibroblast growth factor), which he had used for about one and a half years without satisfactory or sustained improvement.

Past History: The patient had suffered from recurrent boils during childhood and had undergone two surgical procedures for lipomas. 

Family History: Significant for chronic illnesses—his father was a known case of asthma and diabetes, while his mother suffered from hypertension. 

Associated Complaints: The patient also reported long-standing respiratory complaints since 1984. The complaints included wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath while walking and climbing stairs, sneezing, and a runny nose. The respiratory symptoms were moderate in intensity, episodic (2-3 times per week), and typically lasted between 30 minutes and one hour. The symptoms were notably aggravated by dust, fumigation, and weather changes, especially during cloudy weather, and were relieved in high-altitude environments like hill stations. Additionally, the patient had been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia in February 2018 during routine investigations, although it remained asymptomatic.

Physical generals:

The patient had an average meal with a mixed diet. There were no significant cravings or aversions noted. The patient''s thirst was approximately 3–4 liters per day. He experienced average perspiration and had no complaints related to urine or bowel habits. 

Personal details:

The patient worked in the canteen of Bharat Petroleum, while his wife was employed with National Solutions. They had one daughter who was pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Mental generals:

The patient was reserved, timid, and struggled to make friends. He expressed anxiety, especially in the presence of higher authorities, and had a significant fear of heights. He was irritable, although he found it difficult to express his anger, often internalizing it instead.

Based on all these symptoms, Dr.Shah prescribed the medication based on his 40 years of experience.

Follow-ups:

The first follow-up was taken on 12th May 2018, where the patient had seen early signs of repigmentation. 

By 10th August 2018, approximately 10% improvement was observed.

This steadily increased to 25% by February 2019, with no further spread of lesions or appearance of new patches. 

On 18th March 2019, the repigmentation had progressed to 40%.

In August 2019, about 60% repigmentation was visible across all affected areas.

Subsequent follow-ups in January 2020 and June 2020 confirmed continued improvement, with repigmentation becoming more stable and prominent. 

By February 2021, the patient showed further improvement, and all patches demonstrated significant recovery without any new symptoms or areas being affected.

Due to the stable condition, the patient discontinued regular follow-ups but returned in October 2024. At this point, 80% repigmentation was evident over all affected areas, and the patient remained symptomatically better. He was advised to continue treatment for further stabilization and to prevent recurrence.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in the management of a chronic skin condition. Gradual but consistent improvement was achieved without adverse effects, reinforcing the role of long-term treatment in chronic conditions like vitiligo.

- Case study written by Dr. Shreya Hedaoo, an associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)

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