Leucoderma, medically known as Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder that causes de-pigmentation of skin. It causes discolouration of parts of skin forming patches due to gradual decrease of melanin from the dermal layers or when the skin cells known as melanocytes, which are responsible for the pigmentation of skin are unable to function.
The condition, in its initial stage may often go unnoticed or can be neglected as it may start from a small patch on the skin, especially on the extremities or edges. But as time goes by, this small patch may enlarge and become big and even multiply. De-pigmentation of skin usually takes place near mouth, eyes, nostrils, fingers, nails, genitals and umbilicus.
Leucoderma is the term commonly used in Asia. It means ‘to have white skin’, whereas medically the skin disorder is known as vitiligo, and it is the term more common in the West. Well-known pop-icon Michael Jackson suffered from vitiligo.
Symptoms of leucoderma:
The various symptoms observed during leucoderma are:
- A small, white patch on the skin which may expand with time
- Premature greying of hair
- Loss of hair
- Hair on the patches become white
- Sensitivity towards cold
- The patient may often suffer from mood swings or depression
Causes of leucoderma:
According to the medical experts, the common causes of leucoderma are:
- Chronic or acute gastric diseases
- Deficiency of calcium
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Burns
- Intralesional steroid injection
- Postdermabrasion
- Excessive stress, tension and worry
- Impairment of hepatic or liver function (due to jaundice), worm infestation
- Wearing tight clothes
- Wearing rubber gloves
- Using stickers or tattoos on the skin
- Any long history of grief etc..................
Treatment of leucoderma:- Give them to only constitutional medicine.
