Leucoderma (Vitiligo)

Leucoderma (Vitiligo) is a perturbing skin condition. The condition doesn't cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it because of bad blood. It is regarded to be neither infectious nor contagious. The main causes of leucoderma are said to be extreme mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and bum injuries. Heredity is also a well-identified causative factor. It does not cause any health complications - it is not contagious or dangerous at all. It is only a cosmetic problem.

Patches of leucoderma can be of mercurial sizes and shapes. These patches appear ugly, specially in persons with a dark complexion. These patches are more common in sun-exposed areas, comprising the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals. They can happen just about anywhere on the body. When leucoderma occurs without any foregoing disease it is called vitiligo.

Many times, Leucoderma looks due to an external injury or burns. It has been generally noticed that, there is a history of worm infestation, chronic dysentery, abnormal thyroid function, long lasting malaria or typhoid, also in children, after a history of chickenpox or smallpox. A single white strand of hair could be the first symptom of vitiligo on the scalp. Few patients have these patches around or over the joints like elbow, knee etc.

Most of the times people get scared of any white patch on the body and fear it to be leucoderma, but any and every white patch is not of leucoderma they can be as of Liver disorders, Worms ,Taenia infection, Calcium deficiency Injury or burns spots or even Leprosy. There are a number of misconceptions regarding the attainablility of treatment for leucoderma. There is actually lots of hope for vitiligo patients. The outcomes with treatment are good. Psoralens are the linchpin of treatment. These are nothing but purified form of babchi - the age old remedy. Pigmentation happens with the help of sunlight. Both oral medicines and ointment form are present.

Causes of Leucoderma

The main causes of leucoderma are said to be excess mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and burn injuries. Other precipitating factors have been recognised as due to pressure of tight clothes or certain occupational hazards such as wearing certain rubber hand gloves.

Common causes and risk factors of Leucoderma:

Addison's Disease.
Excessive mental worry.
Sunburn.
A defective perspiratory mechanism.
Pernicious Anaemia.
Diseases such as Diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Leucoderma

Leucoderma causes smooth, white skin patches. The disease is harmless as it does not cause pain or relevant complications. These skin patches are usually pale in the beginning and as time passes they become whiter and whiter, this is due to the loss of pigment in them. Patches are more noticeable on people of darker skin tone. Those who have the condition may feel, however, the emotional distress of dealing with the physical alterations that the disease provokes. As spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

General weakness and lassitude.
Smooth, white skin patches.
Increased local sunburns.
Sensitivity to cold.
Premature graying of hair.

Treatment for Leucoderma

There is no cure for vitiligo, but there are various treatments, including dyes or psoralens used in combination with Ultraviolet A light treatment. If direct sunlight is insufficient; few patients are submitted to artificial treatment of ultra violet rays. Shower gels should be moderate to avoid skin irritation, as well as staying away from cosmetic products like creams and powders. Spreading coconut oil, however, over the patches is prescribed by some physicians. Treatment will contribute to counterbalance the patient's skin condition and in many cases, will successfully be responsible for the complete disappearance of existing patches. Some patients haunt to homeopathic treatments, while others may suffer treatment which may include laser surgery.

Treatment may include:

Topical steroid therapy is the main treatment of Leucoderma.
Commonest drug used is Psoralen, Melanocyl etc to be use locally followed by sun exposure.
In few cases oral Antioxidants are also being used.

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