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1. |
What is the difference between Siddha and Ayurveda? |
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Both Siddha and Ayurveda are ancient systems of medicine that are more or less analogous to each other. The Siddha system had its origins in the Southern parts of India and the Ayurveda had its origin from the northern parts of India. In terms of use of herbs for treatment both systems have independently identified different and in many cases similar species. Ayurveda is based on Vedantha Philosophy and Siddha is based on Siddhantha Philosophy.
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Both systems have extensive literary references that date back to several centuries. The Ministry of Health under the Government of India has seen this analogy and established the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS). This body is engaged in the promotion of the two systems and has established a scientific base for many of the traditional treatment methodologies.
On treatment of Vitiligo with Tolenorm, Caratol E, Bekay capsules and S.I.V.A Herbal drops.
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1. |
What are the drugs recommended in addition to surface application? |
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Surface application of Tolenorm oil/ointment with intake of Caratole E, Bekay capsule and S.I.V.A herbal drops are recommended Usually this is called vitiligo treatment regimen kit. It is advised to have treatment for about 4 to 6 months to achieve remission and recurrence. However, the susceptible patients must continue the treatment on medical advice. |
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2. |
What is S.I.V.A herbal drops? |
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An S.I.V.A herbal drop is immune modulating drug, universally recommended in all immune related problems. |
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3. |
Is sun exposure essential? |
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Yes, for ensuring early repigmentation, but with in the prescribed limit. |
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4. |
What if sun exposure is not possible? |
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Even exposing to open (daylight) is effective and yields better results than indoor application |
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5. |
Can one substitute UV exposure with sun exposure, if sun exposure is not possible on account of weather conditions and on account of Vitiligo in private parts? |
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Yes, under strict supervision of an expert. |
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6. |
Can one use a sun screen lotion besides Tolenorm? If so what kind of sunscreen lotions can you suggest? |
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Sun screen lotion may be needed when normal surface is also necessarily exposed. Hyperpigmentation in such areas are possible, It is advised to apply sun screen lotion over normal surface, particularly free, when depigmented areas are being exposed. A standard market product - sun screen lotion may be used under such situation.
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7. |
Can one wash off Tolenorm after sun exposure? |
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Allow Tolenorm toget absorbed into the surface of the skin at least for 2-3 hours. |
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8. |
Is there any diet restriction one needs to follow? |
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No diet restriction needs to be followed. Sour tasting food, Allergens like brinjal, sea food may sometimes interfere with the drug absorption. |
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9. |
Are capsules essential for the treatment? |
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Yes, the capsules contain immune modulatary active drugs that activate melanocyte proliferation. This was confirmed by experimental studies. |
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10. |
What is the difference between oil and ointment? Can they be mixed? |
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They are essentially the same with only the medium of presentation being different. One is in coconut oil medium and the other is in petroleum jelly medium. Either oil or ointment to be applied separately. |
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11. |
If there is irritation, dilution is recommended. What if coconut oil is not
available? Can it be diluted with anything else? |
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If there is irritation the oil /ointment may be diluted with coconut oil. If the same is not available, olive oil can be used. |
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12. |
Sometimes there is depigmentation in many new areas and no repigmentation despite use for 6-8 weeks. Why so? |
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Clinical studies have shown that repigmentation in certain cases has commenced even after 6-8 months of use. It is important that Vitiligo treatment is continued even if there is a tendency of depigmentation in newer areas. In the ultimate, repigmentation commences and continues to almost all the affected areas. A little of patience is essential in cases where early regimentation does not commence. Thyroid enzyme plays the important role for melanogenesis the activation varies with individual. |
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13. |
How is Tolenorm superior to other known treatment methodologies? |
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The absence of side effects and safety for long-term use is a favorable aspect for Tolenorm besides its efficacy. Studies on treatment with TOLENORM in isolation and in combination with CARATOL E capsules have indicated that repigmentation is initiated in a majority of the cases within about 10-12 weeks of continuous use. Progress range is between 75% to 90% in about 52 weeks. Combination with Caratol E showed better response.
Clinical studies indicate that unlike other lines of treatment, with Tolenorm regimentation is systematic, smooth and complete. It does not occur at random /in patches.-Clinical studies confirm that the original and natural skin color is also restored. |
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14. |
How long does it take for complete cure? |
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"Cure" or "Total repigmentation" is not a predictable phenomenon and as yet is not claimed for all cases. For a high percentage of regimentation, it takes, depending on the extent, between 30 to 52 weeks. |
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15. |
Does it relapse / recur after a given area is repigmented? |
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Normally no, but clinical observation indicates approx. 2 to 5% show reversal. |
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16. |
Supposing Tolenorm is used for sometime and discontinued and later resumed, how would the gap in usage affect repigmentation? |
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Since repigmentation is triggered on continuous usage, it is important to continue than to stop in between. Irregular and discontinuous usage may lead to melanocyte threshold and this may affect melanogenesis. |
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17. |
What are likely precautions that are to be taken for intake of Capsules. |
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No specific precautions are required. Caratol E is taken about 1 hour before food and Bekay is taken about 1 hour after food. During pregnancy and lactation, intake may be avoided. Prescribed dosage as applicable to the age group is a sufficient recommendation. |
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18. |
Can one combine different treatment / alternate treatment methodologies with Tolenorm / Caratol E? |
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Alternate treatment may interfere with the treatment with Tolenorm, Caratol E. Harmless external camouflaging may be used if need be. However the physician can use his discretion. |
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19. |
What is the exact mode of action of Tolenorm? |
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Tolenorm acts on the melanin pigment-forming factor by stimulating the forgotten activity of these factors. |
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20. |
Have there been any publications on Tolenorm and any new research done? |
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Clinical efficiency and efficacy of Tolenorm have been presented as research and clinical study papers in conferences of IADV&L (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venerologists and Leprologists, the official body comprising of over 1500 actively practicing Dermatologists all over India). Two leading medical college hospitals in Chennai, India, viz. the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital and Stanley Medical College Hospital have done studies. Clinical effectiveness of Tolenorm was presented at a workshop on Vitiligo treatments organized by the CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha), Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India. The studies have concluded in favor of Tolenorm. Outcomes of these studies have been sent for leading journals of international repute for publication.
Research is an ongoing activity and some of it related to Tolenorm is in the laboratory stage and would be available upon completion of the required studies and tests.
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Some more on treatment with Tolenorm |
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i. |
Can one-use cosmetics and camouflage to coverup? |
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When no application of Tolenorm is made, one can cover up with cosmetics. |
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ii. |
How long would a bottle of 50ml last? |
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Depends on the surface and area affected.
50 ml could last for 4-8 weeks for small localized lesions. |
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iii. |
How long is required for repigmentation in an area of say one square centimeter? |
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Repigmentation is most likely to commence within 6 to 12 weeks in a typical case. In some cases, this could be more. Usage should be continued till total repigmentation is achieved or at the discretion of the treating physician. |
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iv. |
What would be the total cost of the treatment? |
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The treatment is quite cost effective and is cheap compared to the currently available alternatives. However, the cost cannot be linked to any time frame or quantity used as different patients requires different duration depending on the extent and their response. |
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v. |
Can we use Tolenorm during pregnancy? |
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Yes |
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vi. |
Can we use capsules during pregnancy? |
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No, as studies are yet to be done. |
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vii. |
How many cases have you treated with Tolenorm and what is the success rate? |
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Approximately over a 5,000 patients have been treated and the response statistics has been good. |
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viii. |
CSome patients are having Vitiligo for over a long period (10-15 years) and
have been through various treatment methods, nothing seem to work, how
would your treatment help? |
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It would help at this stage too. The drug stimulates the melanin pigment-forming factor |
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ix. |
Are there any side effects and if so how does one take care of it |
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There are no known side effects. One however needs to be careful at the time of initial application if they have earlier been on steroidal treatments. In such cases and a very few other, there could be irritant feeling and rashes. The same could be controlled by dilution with coconut oil. Gradual withdrawal of earlier steroid application is also recommended before switch to TOLENORM. |
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x. |
Does Tolenorm work on nail tips and lips? |
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The lip-tip response is relatively poor as compared to response to other areas of the body.
This seems to be true for most other treatment methodologies.
The natural melanin concentration and distribution is less in lip and tip area. |
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