Leucoderma

Leucoderma is a skin condition in which there occurs loss of pigmentation of skin. It is also known as vitiligo. Leucoderma affects any part of body such as hair and mucous membranes. It first starts on hands, forearms, face and then feet. The discolored patches of skin get bigger with time and spread in the surrounding areas. The white areas when less than 1 cm in size are known as macules whereas if they are more than 1 cm, then they are known as pathces. Nearly 1% of people are affected with leucoderma worldwide.

The color of skin and hair is because of a pigment called melanin. This is a black pigment which is responsible for skin tone. When the cells stop producing melanin, it leads to discolored patches. Leucoderma is more noticeable in people with brown or black skin tone. It is neither contagious nor life-threatening but it can be embarrassing.

In treatment of leucoderma, topical medications are used which help in restoring color of the skin. Eating healthy diet and doing regular physical exercise are very beneficial in management of the disease.

Causes of leucoderma-

The color of the skin is due to presence of a black pigment known as melanin. Melanin pigment is produced by cells known as melanocytes. In leucoderma, the cells of immune system start destroying melanocytes leading to loss of melanin. However, there has not been found any exact cause of the disease but some of the factors can be responsible for this:

• Any abnormality of the immune system which leads to destruction of body’s own cells
• Having a family history of vitiligo
• Excessive exposure to Sun causing sunburn
• Any trauma to the skin
• Contact with skin allergens
• Emotional stress

Risk factors-

Some factors increase the risk of a person developing leucoderma. Following are the risk factors of leucoderma:

• Anemia
• Diabetes
• People below the age of 30 years
• Addison’s disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

Signs and symptoms-

The common signs and symptoms of leucoderm or vitiligo are:

• Decreased pigmentation of skin
• Skin discoloration occurs in patches
• Patches first appear on hands, feet, face, etc
• Hypopigmentation of patches in the mucous membranes of mouth, genitals and nose
• White or grey hair of scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, etc
• Itching

Complications-

There are various complications which arise with leucoderma. Following are the associated complications of leucoderma:

• Sunburn
• Increased sensitivity of skin
• Social isolation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Vision problems

Management of leucoderma according to ayurveda-

In ayurveda leucoderma is classified into Kushta rogas , shwetakushta or switra or kilasa.It is caused by the imbalance of all three doshas.

Ayurvedic treatment for leucoderma-

• Shodana chikitsa
• Shaman chikitsa
• Pathya

Herbs used in leucoderma-

• Khadira
• Haitaki
• Giloe
• Manjistha

Diet-

• You need to avoid consumption of opposite foods like milk and fish together
• Avoid all types of frozen foodstuffs from your daily intakes and make sure to take a lot of fruits nuts and also drink a lot of water.
• Try to consume some bitter items in taste like drumsticks, bitter guard and others to prevent the imbalance
• Do not come in direct contact with cold and sunlight
• Drinking water from copper vessel also helpful.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LEUCODERMA

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of leucoderma:

1. Detox Premium Powder
This is the mixture of all herbal medicines which are beneficial in the treatment of leucoderma. The mixture contains ingredients like- Moti pishti, Parwal pishti, Giloy satva, Jahar mohra, Akik pishti, Gandhak rasayan, etc. These ingredients balance all the Tridosha. It brings the cooling effect and useful in the inflamed parts of the body.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.

2. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu
Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that keeps the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha calm. It purifies the blood and very beneficial for skin diseases. It is prepared form ingredients like – Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), etc. It reduces inflammation and provides cooling effects. This Ayurvedic medicine has potent use in managing skin problems like psoriasis, leucoderma, eczema, as it helps to eliminate the toxins from the blood.
Recommended Dosage–   Take 2 tablets twice a day with normal water.

3. Tolenorm oil
Tolenorm oil is a Proprietary Siddha Medicine which is specially formulated with both polar and non-polar actives prepared through a unique process from the following plants: Wrightia tinctoria, Psorolea corylifolia, Indigofera tinctoria, Piper longum and Oleum Cocos nucifera. Therapy with Tolenorm oil is proven to be effective in the management of Vitiligo and hypopigmentary problems.
Dosage: Apply on the effective area twice daily.

4. Skin Care tablet
Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely Ayurvedic formulation. It helps to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, removes stagnant blood and dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems. It is Natural skin moisturizer, Delay ageing, Remove blemishes, Reduce itching and burning sensation of skin, Prevent acne and pimples, In allergic skin diseases, Relieves leucoderma
DOSAGE: Take 1-2 tablets twice daily

5. Babchi Tablet
CAC Babchi Tablet is an herbal formulation which is beneficial in fungal infection of nail, psoriasis, deafness, bleedings from wounds, insomnia, vitiligo, Cancer, Jaundice, provide natural color to skin, Eczema, Leprosy, skin problems, Leucoderma, purifies blood, supports healthy melanin pigment (skin pigment that supports healthy skin color) in body.
DOSAGE: Take 1-2 tablets twice daily