WHITE PATCHES ON SKIN (LEUCODERMA)
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Vitiligo, also
called leucoderma, is a chronic auto-immune pigmentation skin disorder, but is
not a contagious disease.
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It occurs
worldwide in 1-2% individuals, may also be hereditary, but does not affect
other organs of the body.
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It is not present
at birth and may show up between the ages of 10-30 in about half the people who
get it.
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It also does not
affect any physical or mental capability of a person in any manner, being found
in many prominent people in various walks of life, and has no connection with
leprosy at all.
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It may sometimes
coexist with thyroid problems, eye and ear disorders, anaemia, diabetes and
skin cancer.
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In this
condition, melanocytes, or the cells that make the pigment, melanin, which
gives our skin its colour, gradually decreased, get destroyed or are unable to
function, causing de-pigmentation in patches of skin, or white patches.
·
Sunscreens (SPF
30), with Echinacea, a natural moisturizer, can guard the skin from sunburn and
long-term damage.
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It also minimizes
tanning, which makes the contrast between normal and de-pigmented skin less
apparent.
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Treatments, like
surgical melanocyte implantation, phototherapy and laser therapy have also been
found useful for large patches.
·
Guided medical
and homoeopathic treatments may also be effective for white patches, both for
easing and removing them.
·
Proper diet rich
in anti-oxidants which can be gained from fresh fruits and green leafy
vegetables, a good lifestyle free of stress also aids in controlling the skin
condition.
·
In doing so, they
also help the individual to cope optimally at both the emotional and physical
levels, thus preventing mental depression, marital problems and suicide
attempts.
·
Moreover, people
must be educated about vitiligo not being a disease, per se, but a skin
condition that can be treated, and that it does not spread through contact.