Vitiligo is an acquired skin disease of localized pigment loss, which is characterized by irregular white patches on the skin without subjective symptoms.


Main Points of Diagnosis
1. The white patches vary in size, shape and number, with a clear border. There may be an increase in pigment around the white patches. The hair within the area of the patches becomes white, too. The white patches may gradually expand and coalesce with each other. They may be stable and unchangeable at the advanced stage. Some child patients may recover spontaneously at the early stage.

2. There is no subjective symptom. Erythema and blisters may appear after exposure to sunlight. The patient has a sense of burning heat in the affected areas.

3. The disease is chronic. It may occur at any age, any site, and is common in adolescents.


Differentiation and Treatment of Common Syndromes

1. Internal Treatment

Main Symptoms and Signs: White skin patches of various sizes, shapes and numbers.

Therapeutic Principle: Nourishing the kidney, promoting blood circulation and dispelling pathogenic wind.

Recipe 1: Compound Tablet of Tribulus Fruit

tribulus fruit
spirodela
multiflower knotweed root
xanthium
Chinese angelica root
scorpion
safflower
chuanxiong rhizome

All the above herbs are to be ground into fine powder to make tablets. Take 10 grams each time, three times a day.

Recipe 2: Recipe by Yang Hengyu

astragalus root
Chinese angelica root
white peony root
red peony root
dried rehmannia root
prepared rehmannia root
multiflower knotweed root
wolfberry fruit
dodder seed
ligusticum rhizome
tribulus fruit
dahurian angelica root
peach kernel
safflower

All the above herbs are to be decocted in water for oral administration.

Recipe 3: Multiflower Knotweed Root Decoction

multiflower knotweed root
black sesame seed
red peony root
white peony root
albizia bark
dried rehmannia root
prepared rehmannia root
prunella spike
flatstem astragalus seed
gentian root
safflower
polygala root
Chinese angelica root
red sage root

All the above herbs are to be decocted in water for oral administration.

2. External Treatment

1) Grind 5 grams each of realgar, sulphur and giant typhonium tuber, 2 grams of litharge, 15 grams of cnidium fruit and 0.5 grams of calomel into fine powder and mix with vinegar for application on the affected part, twice a day, the or use ginger to dip powder to rub the affected part, twice a day. The patient must be treated this way for more than 3 months.
Dr. Ming's TCM Medical Center,
Hua Xi Xiao Yuan, Hutian Developing Area,
Huaihua city, Hunan province
China