Siddha management for Venpulli (Vitiligo) in Pediatrics: A case study

Abstract

The uniqueness of Siddha system of medicine is not only curing the ailments but also the mind, to lead a peaceful life. Vitiligo is a common, acquired, discoloration of the skin, characterized by well-circumscribed, ivory or chalky white macules which are flush to the skin surface. It affects 1% of the population worldwide. Both sexes are affected equally. In Siddha system of medicine the diseases are classified into 4448 types. Among 4448 diseases there are 90 skin diseases and 18 kuttam (Leprosy) are mentioned in literature. According to our Siddha literature Venpulli (Vitiligo) comes under the 18 types of Kuttam. It is also called as Venkuttam, Venpadai and Suvetha kuttam. In Siddha medicine child care has been considered so important that it is classified and subdivided into further branches depending on the age starting from early infancy to late childhood. In National Institute of Siddha OPD a considerable number of patients in paediatric population are recorded with symptoms of Venpulli. The case study was carried out in outpatient department of Kuzhanthai Maruthuvam, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. The clinical assessment was done by VASI score and the results are explained in the article.