A common skin ailment, Leucoderma
is caused by the loss of a bodily substance called melanin. In the absence of
melanin, unusual white patches and spots develop on the patient’s body and
spread to other areas. In literal terms, Lucoderma means white patches. The
disease can appear anywhere on the body, especially on areas that are most
exposed to sunlight such as the back of the hands, neck, face, arms and
forehead. Lucoderma is also known as Vitiligo. The patches and spots formed
during this condition tend to remain with the individual for the rest of
his/her life as they cannot be fully cured.
Besides the scientific reason, Leucoderma
can also be caused by an accidental incident such as a cut or a burn or even
ulcer. Experts have failed to come up with a guaranteed cause for Lucoderma
every physician has a theory of his own. The cumulative conclusion of all
theories lies in the fact that Lucoderma is an auto-immune disease, where an
individual’s body responds against the functioning of the body’s own tissues
and organs.
Some other causes of the disease
are as follows:
·
Genetic Oxidative Stress Imbalance
·
Sudden trauma
·
Exposure to harmful chemicals
·
Destruction of Melanocytes
Almost all of these causes are
not backed by scientific study and are merely a hypothesis therefore they
cannot be accepted as guaranteed causes for Leucoderma. For those worried about
the disease being contagious, Leucoderma is not contagious and does not spread
from person to person. However, if your family has a history of other auto
immune diseases then you are most likely to fall prey to Leucoderma.
Furthermore, Leucoderma does not
cause any harm and is just a loss pigments which leads to other psychological
problems such as tension, social embarrassment and low self esteem. People with
Leucoderma fail to face their social circles and feel better when isolated. It
is therefore important that a treatment for Leucoderma should be conducted
depending on the percentage of body that is covered with white patches. Also
patients should bear in mind that the loss of pigments does not occur all at
once, it is a gradual process which makes the skin lose its color until it
turns white.
The disorder cannot be diagnosed
by an ordinary person and a medical expert should be consulted. However if
under any circumstances, you cannot visit a doctor, here is how to confirm if
you are a Lucoderma patient or not.
·
The skin has a darker outline than normal
·
The patch has an irregular shape
·
The patch increases with time
·
The patch appears to be milky white under UV
light
Leucoderma can be treated by both
natural remedies as well as by scientific methods such as photo chemotherapy.
However it is important that along with a treatment method a good diet plan is
also practiced to see better results. The Babchi oil is another effective
treatment for Lucoderma.
All treatment for leucoderma methods
should be tried only after a doctor has prescribed them.
