A MINOR REMEDY WITH MAJOR RESULTS – ROLE OF VINCA MINOR IN ALOPECIA AREATA – A CASE STUDY OF SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF PROGRESSIVE ALOPECIA AREATA WITH FOLLOW UP OF 24 MONTHS

Abstract

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair to come out, often in clumps the size and shape of a quarter. The amount of hair loss is different in everyone. Some people lose it only in a few spots. Others lose a lot. Sometimes, hair grows back but falls out again later. In others, hair grows back for good. The standard conventional management with corticosteroids is reported to have severe adverse effects which add to the permanent scarring or cicatricial alopecia of the patches. In this scenario it is prudent to explore the role of alternative medicines in the management of such autoimmune disorders like Alopecia areata.

Methods: A case of A.A. treated with Individualized Homoeopathic medicine Silicea and specific medicine vinca minor is presented here. The case was followed-up with documentation of symptoms, recurrences and photographs with the patient consent. The case reporting is done according to the HOM-CASE guidelines, extension of CARE guidelines.

Results: The lesions resolved within 18 months of Homoeopathic treatment. No adverse events were reported during the course of treatment. No recurrence was seen even after 12 months of treatment.

Conclusion: The present case report shows that Alopecia Areata responds well to Homoeopathic treatment and there was ‘complete remission on therapy’ as per Definition of Alopecia areata. further research is needed to explore more beneficial effects of Vinca minor.