Leucoderma Symptoms & Homeopathy Treatment

Leucoderma (leuco means white derma means patches), also called vitiligo, is an autoimmune skin disease wherein the immune system of the body attacks the healthy cells. The condition is characterized by white patches on the skin that develop as a result of depleting melanocytes (melanin-producing cells), within the skin.

As per a research study conducted by The Lancet, the prevalence of vitiligo is estimated to be around 1% to 2%, worldwide. Once seen as merely a cosmetic disorder, leucoderma is increasingly recognized for its devastating psychological effects. The white skin disease is not life-threatening or contagious. However, this skin whitening disease can be psychologically stigmatizing, especially for individuals with dark skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?

• There can be an appearance of pale/white spots and/or patchy areas of depigmented skin, on the body surface area. De-pigmentation can occur on any part of the body, but primarily it affects the areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, lips, hands, elbows, and arms. Leucoderma can also cause the loss of color in the tissues that line, inside of the mouth and nose (mucous membranes or mucosa).
• Vitiligo can cause hair greying on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or other hairy areas of the body.
• Vitiligo can also affect the pigments present in the retina (inner layer) of the eyes, causing loss or alteration in its color.
• If an individual with white spots gets hurt; they are prone to develop similar white patches on the skin.
• The white patches are generally painless, without any itching or sensitivity. However, when exposed to excessive heat or perspiration; there may be irritation, redness, or a burning sensation on the skin.

Also read: https://www.drbatras.com/skin-diseases/vitiligo/symptoms

It is important to understand that vitiligo is not a life-threatening skin condition. The skin disease is not associated with leprosy (a chronic infectious disease caused by mycobacterium leprae). Some individuals also consider this disease to be psoriasis, which is characterized by some dry and rough patches on the skin. However, psoriasis patches are not white and are generally red, raised, and inflamed areas on the skin. It is important to understand that vitiligo doesn’t affect a person’s ability to perform their day-to-day activities. It is one’s perception of this skin condition and vitiligo symptoms that have brought a social stigma.

What Causes Vitiligo to Spread?

The causes of vitiligo aren’t completely understood; there are a number of different theories associated:

• Autoimmune disorder:

  The affected person’s immune system may develop antibodies that destroy melanocytes (melanin-producing cells).

   

• Genetic factors:

  Certain factors that may increase the chance of getting vitiligo can be inherited. As per an AVRF research study, over 30% of affected individuals may report a positive family history. People from families with an increased prevalence of thyroid disease or diabetes are at risk of developing white patches. Both predisposing (genetic) and precipitating (environmental) factors can contribute to the occurrence of vitiligo.

   

• Neurogenic factors:

  A substance that is toxic to melanocytes may be released at the nerve endings in the skin.

   

• Self-destruction:

  A defect in the melanocytes causes them to destroy themselves.

Vitiligo can also be triggered by certain events, such as physical or emotional stress. It’s possible that a combination of these factors is responsible for the vitiligo disease.

Also read: https://www.drbatras.com/skin-diseases/vitiligo-treatment-in-homeopathy