Leukoderma

Classification and external resources
Leukoderma
ICD-10	L81.5

Leukoderma is a cutaneous condition, an acquired condition with localized loss of pigmentation^[1] of the skin that may occur after any number of inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections, postdermabrasion, etc.^[2]

Contents

Traditional Therapy

Leukoderma is a cutaneous condition, an acquired condition with localized loss of pigmentation of the skin that may occur after any number of inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections, postdermabrasion, etc. The change in appearance caused by Vitiligo can affect a person's emotional and psychological well-being and may create difficulty in getting or keeping a job. People with this disorder can experience emotional stress, particularly if Vitiligo develops on visible areas of the body, such as the face, hands, arms, feet, or on the genitals. Talking & chatting with other people who have Vitiligo may also help a person cope.

Causes

The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmunea condition in which immune system of body destroys its own cells & tissues, genetic, stress. The incidence worldwide is less than 1%. The most common form is non-segmental vitiligo, which tends to appear in symmetric patches, sometimes over large areas of the body. Excessive mental worry, presence of parasites in alimentary canal and mostly improper hygiene too may also be considered to be one of the causes according to Ayurveda. An example of this is ‘virudh ahar sevan’ (as fish & milk together) forms toxic substances which gradually destroys body’s own immunity system. While referring about Leucoderma, it generally appears due to some external accidental causes, which may be a burn, a cut or an ulcer. These external factors basically damage the cells beneath skin, which produce ‘melanin’ pigment. It results to diminished skin colour patches, which later converts white and prominent, forming white patches. Exact cause of Vitiligo remains unknown. However, there are different theories suggesting autoimmune syndrome (a condition whereby the immune system of body destroys body’s own tissues & cells), impaired hepatic function as jaundice, gastric disorder, typhoid fever etc. It is neither infectious nor contagious, it is only a cosmetic problem & it tarnishes the beauty of the human body.

Treatment

The bael fruit is traditionally used to treat this condition.^[3] Milk intake to be lowered also. Studies have shown that immunomodulator creams such as Protopic and Elidel also cause repigmentation in some cases, when used with UVB narrowband treatments. A 1997 report suggests that combining vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements with sun exposure caused repigmentation in 52% of cases.