Leucoderma - Symptoms & Treatment

Leucoderma also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. Leucoderma in literal term means white skin. This kind of condition is mistaken for another skin disease i.e. leprosy. The actual cause is still unknown though numerous studies have been conducted on the subject. Some of the perceived causes are emotional stress, hereditary factors, worms, sunburns and physical illness. This skin condition can be aggravated due to diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia and Addison's disease. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. Sometimes it follows burns and injuries. Some women develop it after the use of stick-on 'bindis' and after wearing plastic foot wear - this loss of colour is due to some chemicals present in the plastics. In fair individuals, leucoderma often goes unnoticed, but on dark skinned people it can be very visible and cause severe embarrassment. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.

Heredity is a well recognized causative factors. The problems usually start with a small white spot, which later develops into patches. There are a number of misconceptions regarding the availability of treatment for leucoderma. There is actually plenty of hope for vitiligo patients. The results with treatment are good. Some people wrongly believe that the disease is infectious or contagious and consequently contribute to the patient's exclusion. It is important that the persons that have Leucoderma be actively involved in their realm of social activities as this will contribute to build their confidence and deal with their insecurities. They are excellent if the treatment is taken early , but the patches of leucoderma which occur in areas of the skin which are naturally hairless, like the palms and soles, take long to improve. Although vitiligo is considered a dreaded disease because of the social stigma attached to it, it is only a minor cosmetic problem and is definitely treatable. It is important for the patient not to be disheartened.

Causes of Leucoderma

Common causes and risk factor's of Leucoderma:

• Physical Trauma.
• Excessive mental worry.
• Sunburn.
• A defective perspiratory mechanism.
• Burn injuries.
• Pernicious Anaemia

Symptoms of Leucoderma

Some sign and symptoms related to Leucoderma are as follows:

• Pruritis.
• Increased local sunburns.
• A small white spot, which later develops into patches.
• Premature graying etc.

Treatment of Leucoderma

Common treatment of Leucoderma:

• There are several treatments, including dyes or psoralens used in combination with ultraviolet A light treatment.
• Photochemotherapy is the most widely employed one and gives good results.
• There are different types of surgical methods like minipunch grafting, split thickness skin grafting and suction blister grafting.
• Steroids usually in the form of creams and ointments can also be used especially to treat limited areas.
• Oral steroids can be given for a short period to arrest the progression of the disease.
• Other drugs like placental extract preparations and certain agents that change the body's immune response have also been successful.