Leucoderma / Vitiligo
Leucoderma or white skin, is the name given to a skin disease, wherein there is a gradual loss of the pigment, melanin, from the skin layers, resulting in the appearance of white patches.
Leucoderma is a condition in which the skin layers experience loss of skin-pigment. Also known as vitiligo, leucoderma causes white patches on the skin surface. It is more common in women than in men and is mostly seen on the hands, neck, back and wrist. Though the disease does not cause any organic harm, the patches surely look ugly and upsetting. Known as vitiligo, leucoderma can affect people of any age and sex and can be seen on any kind of skin. Contrary to the popular belief, the disease is neither infectious nor contagious and is not caused due to any germs or bad blood.
The main causes for leucoderma are excessive mental worry and chronic or acute gastric disorders. Other causes involve impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism and burn injuries. It can also be the result of hereditary reasons.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.
Vitiligo is a widespread disorder nowadays. Generally, it happens due to autoimmunity which is the most known reason. Depigmentation of skin happens first which acquires skin area in shape of a spot or patch forming vitiligo spots. No one can predict its spreading without medicines. Some people keep one patch for their whole life and other individuals can suffer vast spreading.
Facial vitiligo is a very bad occurrence in the life of a vitiligo patient. As the face gets a white spot it almost disturbs the psychosomatic state of the person’s mind. One can feel embarrassed and get into deep depression after onset of facial vitiligo.
Leucoderma is a condition in which the skin layers experience loss of skin-pigment. Also known as vitiligo, leucoderma causes white patches on the skin surface. It is more common in women than in men and is mostly seen on the hands, neck, back and wrist. Though the disease does not cause any organic harm, the patches surely look ugly and upsetting. Known as vitiligo, leucoderma can affect people of any age and sex and can be seen on any kind of skin. Contrary to the popular belief, the disease is neither infectious nor contagious and is not caused due to any germs or bad blood.
The main causes for leucoderma are excessive mental worry and chronic or acute gastric disorders. Other causes involve impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism and burn injuries. It can also be the result of hereditary reasons.
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means white skin. There is a gradual loss of the pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with a dark complexion. The condition does not cause any organic harm. This disease is caused neither by any germs, nor is it due to bad blood. It is considered to be neither infectious nor contagious.
Vitiligo is a widespread disorder nowadays. Generally, it happens due to autoimmunity which is the most known reason. Depigmentation of skin happens first which acquires skin area in shape of a spot or patch forming vitiligo spots. No one can predict its spreading without medicines. Some people keep one patch for their whole life and other individuals can suffer vast spreading.
Facial vitiligo is a very bad occurrence in the life of a vitiligo patient. As the face gets a white spot it almost disturbs the psychosomatic state of the person’s mind. One can feel embarrassed and get into deep depression after onset of facial vitiligo.
Leucoderma Causes
The causes of leucoderma are still not completely understood. Despite advanced research, medicine is still trying to figure out the exact cause of Leucoderma.
There are numerous theories as to what could cause this disease, of which three have been widely accepted.
The first theory is one of mistaken identity. The immune system mistakes the pigment cells for foreign bodies and destroys them.
The second theory states that certain chemical agents destroy the pigment generating cells,
while the third theory states that the cells are destroyed due to chemical exposure.
Whatever the cause, the course of the disease is certain - and that is the destruction of pigment cells. Some other causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and burn injuries.
Leucoderma Symptoms
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.
How is it confirmed whether a white patch is Leucoderma?
The white patch will in all probability be Leucoderma if it:
The causes of leucoderma are still not completely understood. Despite advanced research, medicine is still trying to figure out the exact cause of Leucoderma.
There are numerous theories as to what could cause this disease, of which three have been widely accepted.
The first theory is one of mistaken identity. The immune system mistakes the pigment cells for foreign bodies and destroys them.
The second theory states that certain chemical agents destroy the pigment generating cells,
while the third theory states that the cells are destroyed due to chemical exposure.
Whatever the cause, the course of the disease is certain - and that is the destruction of pigment cells. Some other causes of leucoderma are said to be excessive mental worry, chronic or acute gastric disorders, impaired hepatic function such as jaundice, worms or other parasites in the alimentary canal, typhoid, a defective perspiratory mechanism, and burn injuries.
Leucoderma Symptoms
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.
How is it confirmed whether a white patch is Leucoderma?
The white patch will in all probability be Leucoderma if it:
- Has an outline darker than the skin.
- Is irregular in appearance.
- Gradually increases in size.
- Appears milky white under an ultraviolet light.
Home Remedies for Leucoderma Treatment
Leucoderma may also be treated using certain home remedies, some of which have been mentioned below.
It is recommended that a person affected with leucoderma (vitilgo) should avoid consuming highly antigenic material like fish, meat and eggs.
Leucoderma may also be treated using certain home remedies, some of which have been mentioned below.
- Turmeric mixed with mustard oil has also proved useful in leucoderma. About 500 gm of turmeric should be pounded and soaked in 8 litres of water at night. It should be boiled in the morning till only one litre of water is left, and then be strained and mixed with 500 ml of mustard oil. This mixture should be heated till only the oil is left. It should then be strained and preserved in a bottle. The mixture should be applied on the white patches every morning and evening for 2-3 months.
- Take about 25 grams of radish seeds and ground them into a powdery substance. Add 2 tsp vinegar and make a fine paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and wash off when dry.
- Soak psoralea seeds in ginger juice for 3 days. Thereafter, dry them and grind to make a fine powder. Have 1 gram of this powder, with a glass of milk, for about a month. You can also apply this powder on white patches.
- Another method would be to soak psoralea and tamarind seeds in water for 3-4 days. Dry them well and grind to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area on a daily basis.
- Goosefoot vegetable is effective in treating leucoderma. Apply the juice of this vegetable on the affected area, once a day. Continue it for 2 months.
- Mix red clay and ginger in equal parts. Apply this on the affected area and wash off when dry.
- Fill a copper vessel with drinking water and leave it overnight. Have this water, on an empty stomach, every morning. This is effective in healing leucoderma.
- Combine 100 gm each of alfalfa and cucumber juice. Consume this mixture two times a day i.e. in the morning and evening. This is a useful home remedy for treating leucoderma.
- Take a handful of dry pomegranate leaves and grind them into a fine powder. Have about 8 grams of this powder every morning and evening, with a glass of water.
- Neem is very effective in treating leucoderma. Try to drink a glass of neem juice every day.
- Grind black gram and add water, to form a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area, washing off after it dries, for about 4 to 5 months. It is an effective remedy for treating leucoderma.
- Holy basil leaves prove to be beneficial in treating white patches. Consume raw basil leaves or make a decoction out of Holy basil’s leaves and stem, along with water.
- Make a poultice of ginger leaves and apply it on the white patches. It is quite effective in treating leucoderma.
- Increase the consumption of walnuts and figs. While walnuts purify blood, figs have healing properties to cure leucoderma.
It is recommended that a person affected with leucoderma (vitilgo) should avoid consuming highly antigenic material like fish, meat and eggs.
Homeopathic Treatment for Luecoderma/Vitiligio
Homeopathy does not treat a disease with the same set of remedies.
Unlike conventional medicine and even most of traditional medicine
Treatment and remedies are individualized in homeopathy.
The second principle of homeopathy is the use of watered down poisons and toxic compounds to treat the condition that these harmful agents cause in high doses.
Both principles of homeopathy are employed by homeopaths for treating vitiligo.
Unlike conventional medicine and even most of traditional medicine
Treatment and remedies are individualized in homeopathy.
The second principle of homeopathy is the use of watered down poisons and toxic compounds to treat the condition that these harmful agents cause in high doses.
Both principles of homeopathy are employed by homeopaths for treating vitiligo.
Besides the symptoms and presentation of vitiligo, homeopaths study each patient and examine his or her constitution. By constitution, homeopaths refer to an in-depth study of the physical and mental states of the patient.
While conventional and traditional medicine may concentrate on repigmentation of the skin and stopping further de-pigmentation, homeopathy goes deeper and ascribes the root cause of vitiligo to the constitution of the patient. Therefore, emotion plays an equal (if not greater) role as symptoms when treating vitiligo by the principles of homeopathy.
Besides emotions, other aspects of the mental state studied before homeopathic remedies are prescribed include behavior, personality and psychosocial background of the patient.
Apart from its focus on constitutional medicines rather than signs and symptoms, homeopathic remedies for vitiligo are all oral medications. Even though the effect needed is on the skin, homeopathic remedies do not come in topical dosage forms.
Therefore, vitiligo is not seen as a local or surface or superficial skin disorder in homeopathy. Rather, it is believed to be systemic disorder whose visible manifestation is on the skin.
There are no specific remedies for any disease in homeopathy. Since there is no broad generalization and classification by symptoms, homeopathy does not have pre-selected vitiligo cures.
Remedies are recommended only after a full examination by a homeopath.
For this reason, homeopathic remedies will vary for each vitiligo patient even though the outward presentation of the skin disorder may appear similar for some patients.
A definitive list of homeopathic remedies for vitiligo is therefore unavailable. However, based on past treatments of vitiligo according to the principles of homeopathy, the most common remedies are discussed below.
Homeopathic Remedies for Vitiligo
While conventional and traditional medicine may concentrate on repigmentation of the skin and stopping further de-pigmentation, homeopathy goes deeper and ascribes the root cause of vitiligo to the constitution of the patient. Therefore, emotion plays an equal (if not greater) role as symptoms when treating vitiligo by the principles of homeopathy.
Besides emotions, other aspects of the mental state studied before homeopathic remedies are prescribed include behavior, personality and psychosocial background of the patient.
Apart from its focus on constitutional medicines rather than signs and symptoms, homeopathic remedies for vitiligo are all oral medications. Even though the effect needed is on the skin, homeopathic remedies do not come in topical dosage forms.
Therefore, vitiligo is not seen as a local or surface or superficial skin disorder in homeopathy. Rather, it is believed to be systemic disorder whose visible manifestation is on the skin.
There are no specific remedies for any disease in homeopathy. Since there is no broad generalization and classification by symptoms, homeopathy does not have pre-selected vitiligo cures.
Remedies are recommended only after a full examination by a homeopath.
For this reason, homeopathic remedies will vary for each vitiligo patient even though the outward presentation of the skin disorder may appear similar for some patients.
A definitive list of homeopathic remedies for vitiligo is therefore unavailable. However, based on past treatments of vitiligo according to the principles of homeopathy, the most common remedies are discussed below.
Homeopathic Remedies for Vitiligo
Kali carbonicum is a popular homeopathic remedy for treating skin disorders and diseases presenting close to the surface of the skin such as vitiligo, warts, urticaria, eczema and sciatica. It is also used for treating autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism and hair loss. Homeopaths believe kali carbonicum is effective for treating diseases in people whose constitutional states include mental anxiety. It is also used to treat both physical and mental stress. |
Even though it is derived from a strong acid, nitricum acidum possesses none of the acidity but all of the dynamic powers of the mineral acid. It is an ideal example of homeopathic approach of using a denatured, watered down but potentiated poison to treat the effects the poison might have in its original strength. Therefore, nitricum acidum is commonly used to treat skin disorders such as warts and vitiligo as well as other diseases such as ulcer, gastritis, hemorrhoids and rheumatism. |
It is used to correct nutritional deficiencies, regulate the immune system and treat skin and bone diseases. Silicea produces extensive effects in different organ-systems and its specialty is in the treatment of diseases affecting the joints, bones, connective tissues, mucosal membranes and the skin. It can also help prevent rickets in children. It is most likely that the correction of nutritional balance is the chief reason silica is useful in the treatment of vitiligo. By helping the absorption and retention of antioxidant and immunomodulatory vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, silicea can prevent further depigmentation of the skin by arresting the progressive destruction of melanocytes. |
Sulphur is found in protein and it can serve to maintain skin health in the treatment of vitiligo. |
Syphillinum is used to treat deep-seated and destructive diseases. Its effects can be seen in many organs and it is a common remedy for diseases such as vitiligo, osteomyelitis and rheumatism. |
While sepia is commonly known as the homeopathic remedy for treating women’s reproductive and sexual problems, it actually has a wide range of application. It is included in the top 20 homeopathic remedy with the widest treatment application. On the skin, sepia is used to treat pigmentation disorder since it is a pigment itself. Stained skins and vitiligo patches can be effectively treated with sepia. |
Phosphorus is required by the body for a lot of biochemical processes. It is incorporated in the bones as well as DNA. Phosphorus can be found in all cells of the body and it is used for treating a long list of diseases in homeopathy. The use of phosphorus in the treatment of vitiligo has to do more with its fit with the emotional presentation of the disease. Homeopaths use phosphorus to treat ailments in worried people who are sensitive to others. Since vitiligo can make patients withdrawn and very worried about societal perception, phosphorus is a common homeopathic remedy for the skin pigmentation disorder. |
Bibliography:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/basics/definition/con-20032007
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/vitiligo
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000831.htm
http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/12/rapid-home-remedies-for-vitiligo.html
http://home-cure.net/best-natural-home-remedies-vitiligo-leucoderma-treatment/
http://www.drhomeo.com/homeopathy-for-skin/vitiligo-its-homeopathic-treatment/
https://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-medicines.aspx
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-vitiligo/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitiligo
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/basics/definition/con-20032007
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/color-problems/vitiligo
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000831.htm
http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/12/rapid-home-remedies-for-vitiligo.html
http://home-cure.net/best-natural-home-remedies-vitiligo-leucoderma-treatment/
http://www.drhomeo.com/homeopathy-for-skin/vitiligo-its-homeopathic-treatment/
https://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-medicines.aspx
http://treatment.hpathy.com/homeo-medicine/homeopathy-vitiligo/