What Is Leucoderma?
Leucoderma is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by loss of pigmentation in skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, usually the distribution is symmetrical or irregular shape. It is commonly observed that first symptoms of Leucoderma appear on parts of the skin which normally remained exposed to sun like the face, hands, feet, arms, and eyelids, etc.
Causes of Leucoderma: There are some skin conditions which causes are not fully known, e.g. psoriasis. Vitiligo is also one of them. Though, skin specialists are not fully in the dark regarding the causes of Leucoderma and many theories have been presented in this regard. Some antibodies produced in body destroy the melanocytes. Whereas some researchers say that a gene NLAP1 is responsible for the defect in immune system. Some theories are also present which claim the nerve cell, alteration in the immune system, genetic defect, and abnormality in melanocyte itself for the destruction of the melanocytes, resulting in the depigmentation.
The role of Melanocytes cells is more prominent if we talk about the causes of Leucoderma or research to find actual fact about this skin condition. While there is no 100 percent perfect cause yet discovered, whereas the causes of Leucoderma may vary from person to person.
Who is affected by Leucoderma: The Leucoderma is a common disease. About nearly half of those who develop Leucoderma do so before the age of twenty and about 20 percent of those affected have a family of the same pathology. Most of the affected population with Leucoderma are in good condition overall.
Leucoderma affects both sexes and all races and equally and 95 percent of its patients are below the age of forty. As for the concern with inheritance, Leucoderma may or may not be hereditary.
Melanin a Substance: A dark brown substance found in epidermis, its deficiency in any part of the skin results in completely whiteness of this part. Melanocytes produce the substance called melanin, the substance that determines skin color, hair, and eyes. If these cells die or are altered and can not synthesize melanin, the skin becomes clearer.
Are There Any Treatments for Leucoderma?
As you have read above, the actual causes of Leucoderma are not fully known. We can say it is fairly chronic skin condition. However, almost all the treatment procedures are being applied for the treatment of Leucoderma.
The following is a brief introduction of different treatment options for Leucoderma.
Natural Treatment: Natural treatment options are the traditional way. It has been found to have successful rate for Leucoderma. Natural treatment options consist of home remedies, herbs, and some diet plans. Most of the remedies consist of Psoralens, basil leaf extract, turmeric, mustard oil, redish seed, and black pepper like substances. These substances are antibacterial and immune modulators.
PUVA: PUVA is latest treatment option and successful for treatment of Psoriasis and Leucoderma. This treatment is a combination of strong sensitizing herbs for skin Psoralens, and UVA light emitted by special equipment made for this purpose. The psoralenos may be used topically when areas of Leucoderma are small or, as is often used, in oral capsules. But in PUVA it is used topically. (UVA are non-visible and energetic radiations.)
Except home remedies and PUVA skin surgery, skin bleaching is also used for Leucoderma. Some people prefer skin cosmetic cover and tattooing things to hide their manifestations.
Note: Leucoderma and Vitiligo are names of the same skin condition. In some parts of world it is recognized by Vitiligo and in other parts by Leucoderma. For proof, visit antivitiligo.
