Leucoderma is an acquired disorder of pigmentation mainly affecting the skin in which loss of functioning of melanocyte results in white patches on the skin with varying size and location. Leucoderma is considered as a social stigma in our country. Affected individuals are always in constant depression with feeling of being socially outcast. Vitiligo is common skin disorder affecting about 1 to 2% of general population, irrespective of ethnic origin.

CAUSES OF LEUCODERMA • Anti-immune destruction • Genetic • Disturbed metabolism • Worm infestation • Incompatible food habits Chemical exposure • Stress • Nutritional deficiency • Hormonal imbalance • Environmental factors.

All needs to be addressed for effective management of Leucoderma.

LEUCODERMA MANAGEMENT

Principle behind the successful management:

• Restoring the immune system:
• Regulation of melanin synthesis
• Essential diet and nutritional advice
• Mental conditioning and stress management

Immunity being the most important aspect in the management of Leucoderma and should be taken on top priority because once the immunity becomes normal, the recovery of Leucoderma patient becomes very fast. Ayurveda has mentioned the use of various herbs to improve the immunological status of a person such as Ocimum Americana (Krishna Tulsi) is an established source of pyhto-constituents having immunomodulatory and anti-oxidant potential. Its regular use has always proved highly beneficial in auto-immune diseases like leukoderma.

In leucoderma patients’ destruction of melanocytes or decreased production of melanin is another major reason of development of the white patches on skin. So it becomes very essential to restore or activate the melanin synthesis. Herbs like bakuchi, vishnaag are rich sources of natural furanocoumarins, playing a key role in activating effective melanin synthesis. Ammi majus (Vishnaag), a rare herb found at the height of 10,000 feet in the Himalayan region has showed promising results in the management of leucoderma. It is a rich source of natural furanocoumarins which are extremely essential in the synthesis of skin colour pigment, melanin. The proper use of this herb has shown wonderful results in treating white patches & transformed the lives of thousands of patients.

Lifestyle defines that a person who is suffering from leucoderma should always be motivated and should be full of positive energy. For this parameter, patients should get proper counselling and be motivated to socialise, to travel and to meet friends. Patients are advised to come out of the stress of having Leucoderma and should start taking it positively. The use of herb like Cintella asiatica (mandookparni) shows potential anti-stress action making the patient stress free & comfortable.

All these herbs have been researched out by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and have been clinically studied for giving overall benefit to the thousands of patients with their product – Lukoskin liquid & ointment which is transforming hopes into promises of more than 1.5 lakhs patients.

The patients suffering from Leucoderma are advised to take a proper and nutritional diet. Food that is excessively sour should be avoided. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known to inhibit the production of the melanin, the colour pigment. Patients with Leucoderma are suggested to refrain from citrus fruits, yogurt, pickles, etc. Non-vegetarian food is better avoided, as much as possible, as they act as a foreign body to pigment cells. Also, patients should avoid junk food.

 Proper diet having Carrots, Beetroots and bottle gourd should be taken. The overnight soaked Bengal Gram and Almonds are beneficial for the patients of Leucoderma.

All these factors together hold a true promise for all leucoderma patients and research like Lukoskin have opened new avenues of treatment for leucoderma and also aim to provide a ray of hope to patients who have unfortunately turned themselves hopeless due to consecutive unsuccessful treatments of chronic ailments.