Symptoms and Causes of Leucoderma

Leucoderma also known as Vitiligo is a rare Skin Disease characterized by white spots and patches.The white patch or spot is called as Leucoderma and when it occurs without any preceding disease,it is called Vitiligo.

What causes Leucoderma?

The actual cause of this condition is still unknown, but surely, beliefs like eating unhealthy or wrong food combination like fish and milk, pumpkin and milk, onion and milk, or any citrus or acid foods after milk are not the reasons although toxicity affects somewhere but there are not the prime cause. This problem mainly occurs when the skin stops producing melanin, a skin pigment that protects the skin from harsh sun radiations. This can occur because of following reasons:

a) Pityrosporum orbiculare, the yeast that causes Tinea versicolor which is present on skin in normal  condition and regular maintenance of hygiene rids this skin from this.

b) Excessive Mental Worry.

c) Heredity- Heredity is also a well-recognized causative factor. Vitiligo sometimes has hereditary reasons also. On the other hand hereditary factor is responsible only 10 to 20% of the reason.

d) Weak immune system due to:
      •    Chronic gastric disorders
      •    Insecticide and pesticides in green vegetables can harm immunity and cause Vitiligo.
      •    Jaundice
      •    Presence of parasites in the alimentary canal.
      •    Performance of physical exercise in excessive heat and after taking very heavy meals                                      
      •    Regular stress or sudden trauma
      •    Improper hygiene is considered to be the most acceptable known reason for autoimmunity according to Ayurveda .

e) Lifestyle- Prolonged hours of swimming in chlorinated swimming pools can react over skin and form white spots.
      •    Skin trauma
      •    Sunburn
      •    Burn injuries
      •    Suppression of natural urges
      •    Other illnesses like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and addison's disease.

What are the symptoms of leucoderma?

a) Small White Patch Appear in Beginning - The problem usually starts with a small white spot which later develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning, but become whiter and whiter as time passes by due to loss of pigment. As the spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.

b) Flat spots that range in color from white to pink to tan and brown appear over the upper arms, chest,back,neck and face.They vary greatly in size,from as small as four to five millimeters in diameter to large areas of confluence.

c) Apart from these signs, some others are given below:

       • Alopecia or loss of hair 

       • Premature graying of hair

       • Along with skin, the hair growing on the affected skin also turns white,

       • Sensitivity towards cold,

       • Weakness and fatigue

       • Skin irritation when exposed to sun's rays or chemicals.

Psychological Issues Faced By Vitiligo Patients

Vitiligo or Safed Daag is an important skin disease having major impact on psychology of patients. People who are affected from this disease feel stressed and often went in state of depression due the stigma attached with this disease. Patients suffering from this disease have somewhat untouchable status in the society, they do not accepted as the normal individual. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder of greater concern affecting 1-4% population of the world.

Since ancient times patients with Vitiligo suffered the same mental abuses as lepers. While vitiligo affects all the races it is more commonly seen in people with dark skinned. Due to patchy skin person affected from Vitiligo have a different physical appearance it creates problem especially in young people during  the time of their marriage. These people face problem while finding suitable life-partners, &  as a result face hurdles in their marriage, especially in those countries where arranged marriages are still more common.

Vitiligo has become a major concern these days because it creates a state of depression & stress in people. Due to the preconceived notion among the people vitiligo is took as a communicable disease and  spread if they came in contact with that person.  But  the reality is way more different this disease do not spread through physical contact; touch, kiss, eating from same plate, or intercourse etc.

Doctors and many NGOs, brings awareness & acceptance about Vitiligo affected individuals in the society. People must understand that Safed Daag or Vitiligo is not a serious issue. This is can be cured if a  patient is under  proper surveillance & treatment.  The condition worsen when people use any toxic cosmetics and wrong home remedies like applying turmeric etc.