The Academic Theory And Clinical Study Of Prof. Ruikang Cai On The Treatment Of Vitiligo By Integration Of TCM And Western Medicine

With 50 years of clinical practice in dermatology, the tutor Professor Ruikang Cai, has gained rich experience by studying and exploiting the available achievements in this regards, applying the right remedies to different cases. By integrating the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies both in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine plus the progress of modern medicine, Prof. Cai follows his own way in the treatment of vitiligo, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and acne etc. by differentiating symptoms and doing diagnosis according to TCM and western medicine respectively, leading to very satisfactory effect which is well known throughout the country.Vitiligo is a kind of common, acquired, chronic disease manifesting depigmentation in the skin. The incidence is around l%-2% of the general population. Despite of numerous therapies in use, most of them are slow in effectiveness, long in treatment course, low in recovery rate. Vitiligo is deemed to be one of the most difficult dermatological disease to cure. Prof. Cai classifies the pathogenesis of vitiligo into category of patients suffering deficiency of liver and kidney, non-concerted functioning between Qi and blood, slow-moving Qi coupling with silting blood. Accordingly, the therapeutic formula includes medication strengthening the function of liver and kidney, regulating and improving Qi and blood circulation in a harmonious and vigorous way. Besides, attention is paid to the role of emotional factors play in the causes of vitiligo onset, which justifies the use of drugs dissipating liver pent-up and smoothening Qi movement. Based on the above understanding and assumption, Prof. Cai developed a specific prescription "Baibotang". Investigation was done in this thesis on the clinical effect of "Baibotang" in the treatment of vitiligo by means of such modern medical observation tools as dermatoscope, measurement apparatus of skin color etc. in the study of the morphological variations and measurements. The results evidences that: (1)"Baibotang" of TCM plus therapy of western medicine took effective more quickly and enjoyed a better curative effect in every phases of the treatment course compared with the simple PUVA therapy group, and showed an increasing better efficacy with prolonging treatment.; (2) it's a gradual process for the restoration of pigmentation for both groups with better efficacy for longer treatment. This indicates that a relatively long treatment is required for vitiligo. (3) the employed observation on effectiveness can be quantitated which is much more sensitive and objective than judgements made by naked eyes as before. The image analyzing technology of dermatoscope enables the observation of the appearance of pigmental spots and the expansion of capillary blood vessels around follicles which are signs of early repigmentation. It's generally recognized the onset and aggravation of vitiligo are relevant to emotional factors. To provide the patients with updated progress of the treatment is helpful to alleviate their mental stress and boost their confidence in fighting the illness. As a result, the patients will be more cooperative in the treatment leading to a better overall efficacy. In this study, 120 vitiligo patients who were divided into different groups, were involved to evaluate the role of psychological intervention plays in the treatment by means of psychological health questionnaire. The psychotherapy was proved to be helpful in accelerating the treatment process and improving their life quality.The author of this thesis have systematically studied during the doctorate study the theories of dermatosis treatment by means of integration of TCM and western medicine under the guidance of Professor Cai. By joining Prof. Cai in his clinical work, the author is able to better understand his loftiness of professional morality and diligence. It's realized that integrating creatively TCM and western medicine is his academic soul and characteristics. Throughout the whole process of doctorate study, Prof. Cai has been taught by personal examples as well as verbal instructions while the author have not only made great progress in theoretical learning and clinical practice, but also is determined to make more contribution to dermatology by consciously learning and inheriting his rich experience in the integration of TCM and western medicine.