Leucoderma is a skin disorder which refers to the whitening of the skin. This is a condition in which there is a localized loss of the skin's pigmentation. Also called vitiligo, leucoderma generally manifests itself as white patches, or depigmentation, on their skin, and these patches are more commonly seen in sun-exposed areas, which includes the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other areas of the body where this is commonly seen are the armpits and groin, the area around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel, and genitals as well.

Vitiligo (often called as leucoderma) is a disorder where the skin loses its color in patches of irregular shapes and sizes. This is a pigmentation disorder which means that melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) in the skin get destroyed. This results in the development of white patches on the skin. The hairs which are growing in that area may lose their color and turn grey.

Vitiligo is known in Ayurveda as "Shwitra" or "Kilaas". The ancient texts clearly mention that this condition is not contagious, and does not cause symptoms like other skin diseases.

Common Causes:

According to dermatologists, excessive mental stress and worrying, burn injuries, defective perspiration mechanism, ailments like typhoid fever that affect the gastrointestinal tract, acute or chronic gastric disorder, worms or parasites in the alimentary canal and impaired hepatic function are among the major contributors to this skin disorder.

Symptoms:

People with vitiligo develop white patches on their skin of irregular shapes and sizes. Vitiligo is more common on the exposed areas, for example, hands, face, neck and arms. It also occurs on covered areas too like genitals, breast and legs. In some patients, the hair may also turn grey early and in the inside of the mouth, white discoloration may occur.

Treatment:

Traditional Ayurvedic formulations which are useful in this condition are: Arogya Vardhini, Trivanga Bhasma, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha (decoction), Khadirarishta, Krumikuthar Rasa, Krumimudgar Rasa, Saarivasav and Rasa Manikya. Herbal medicines useful for vitiligo are: Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Triphala (Three fruits), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Vidanga (Embilia ribes) and Bavachi (Psoralia corylifolia).

Among the herbs which are helpful in treating this skin disorder are:

- Psoralea Seeds

- Turmeric and Mustard Oil

- Radish Seeds and Vinegar

- Psoralea and Tamarind seeds

According to medial experts, patients who are afflicted with this skin condition The patient need to be strictly kept on a salt-free diet, as the absence of salt in the diet helps to quicken the recovery period.

Although many homoeopathic medicines like Arsenic Sulph Falvus, Arsenic Album, Baryta Mur and Baryta Carb are known to give good results in vitiligo, the fact is that the real cure of vitiligo occurs when the prescription is made according to the true principles of homoeopathic philosophy - treating that “deep causative factor” behind this inner disturbance.

In addition to the above-mentioned herbal remedies, patients should also make it a habit to drink fruit or vegetable juice for a week, and later adopt a diet consisting f fresh fruits, steamed vegetables and whole meal bread, to ensure quick recovery and complete healing of the white patches.

Read About Home Remedies also Read about Impetigo and Leucoderma