VITILIGO


Vitiligo or leucoderma (popularly also called as 'safed koda' or 'safed dag' in India) is a disorder in which white spots or patches are seen because of the destruction of melanocytes which produce the pigment melanin. It is medically a harmless disease but the social stigma attached to it may be unbearable. It usually causes a lot of damage to self-confidence. It is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies are formed against the body's own cells, leading to destruction of the pigment cells (melanocytes). This is a complex and ill-understood process, making it difficult to treat allopathically. Although it is a progressive condition, many people experience years or decades without developing new spots.

SYMPTOMS
Appearance of single or multiple white patches on any part of the body. The disease is progressive and the number and the sizes of the spots or patches may increase, as time passes the progression is slow. The patches may or may not be symmetrical and may be of any shape without pain or itching. It may occur in either sex, and at any age. It is found all over the world, in all countries and all races. In tropical areas however, it is found comparatively more than other regions. The white patches may appear on any part but are more common on the face and neck, hands and wrists, lower abdomen and thighs. The hair on the skin affected with vitiligo becomes white.

Who is at risk?
It can affect any one irrespective of race, sex, age or any occupation. Individuals affected with vitiligo suffer from low self –esteem and start avoiding social gatherings. Children affected by vitiligo have been found to become adults with lower self-esteem.

DO’S & DON’T’S
1) Long exposure in Sun has shown fast spreading of White Patches in a person suffering from vitiligo, so it is best avoided. Although a short period of sun exposure (approximately 10 minutes) is believed to help cure leucoderma.

2) Sour fruits and food items containing combination of milk with fruits should be avoided, even curd should be avoided.

3) One should make sure that he does not have constipation.

Are there any hereditary factors?
Children of parents, where one or both have Leucoderma are only at a fraction of a higher risk than the general population. Even the general population is at a risk of 1-2 %. This means that even with no family history for generations, any normal and fit person too stands a chance of 1-2 % of developing leucoderma. Vitiligo may be observed in family members (though not necessary), 25% patients have another family member suffering from vitiligo.

TREATMENTS
Homoeopathy can definitely cure leucoderma, but the success depends on the severity and time factor, however complete recovery may take up to 6 months or so if multiple spots are present or if a single spot is very large.

Unfortunately modern medicine has not been able to provide any established cure for leucoderma.
Cosmetic treatments like camouflage and other ultraviolet radiation therapies have provided some help but none are curative. People have even resorted to complete de-pigmentation of the skin which is an irreversible process and should be undertaken by the discretion of the patient after counseling with the physician.