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Vitiligo is commonly known as leucoderma. It is a skin disorder in which white patches are formed on different parts of the body. It happens due to the loss of pigment producing cells known as melanocytes. This is known to be genetic disorder. Studies have shown that it affects approximately 1% of the total world population. Any body can have this disorder irrespective of age, gender or race.

It is not an infectious disease. The skin has numerous characteristic patches. Even hair growth on these patches is white in colour. The discolouration of body causes lot of embarrassment and emotional distress to the people. In certain primitive societies, people suffering from vitiligo become social outcasts.

Physiologically this condition is harmless.

The patches may or may not spread. They may take years to grow and spread to other parts or may grow at a fast pace.

Causes of Vitiligo are not clearly known. More men suffer from vitiligo than women. It may be caused due to exposure to sun or even some injury. Sometimes stress can also lead to leucoderma.

Vitiligo Treatments

1. Surgical Grafts

Doctors suggest this treatment when the condition is not cured with drugs.

2. Autologous Melanocyte Transplant

Melanocytes are grown in a culture and transplanted on the affected parts. This is most advanced technique.

3. Autologous Skin Transplant

Skin grafts are taken from a donor of the normal parts of the patient himself and transplanted to depigmented areas. The success is not guaranteed.

4. Skin Grafts Using Blisters

Blisters are created on the skin using intense heat; the skin on the top is then transplanted on the diseased areas.

5. NB UVB (Narrow band of Ultraviolet Rays)

This is highly recommended by American Association of Dermatologists.

Patient is exposed to narrow spectrum of UVB rays leading to pigmentation. The results have shown 75% of repigmentation. A number of sessions are provided for effective improvement.

Medical Treatments

Administering Steroids

Corticosteroids are used as ointments, creams.

However when used for a long term, thinning of skin, stretch mark s etc have been observed.

The effects are not permanent. They are not very effective in treating this disorder.

Alternate Therapies

Ayurvedic Treatment

People practising Ayurveda believe in therapeutic vomiting. They cure a disorder using natural substances.

Administration of Psoralen either topically or orally

Psoralea corylifolia is natural substance found in figs, celery, parsley etc. It contains substances, which can tan the skin when brought in contact with sunlight. It can be orally consumed or ointments, potions can be produced and then applied on the affected parts. Topical products have shown visible results.

Psoralen Chemo phototherapy

Combination of Psoralen with UV rays. Psoralen is applied on the depigmented area, which is then exposed to UVA rays.

Homeopathy

Homeopaths believe that vitiligo is caused by pigment imbalances in the body. Thus it has to be treated at that level i.e. getting rid of the cause itself. They prescribe medicines like Baryta Carb, Arsenic Sulph Falvus etc. They are known be effective in treating the said disorder.

Diet as a Treatment for Vitiligo

Where the medical and other therapies fail, a well balanced, nutritious diet may prove to be beneficial. The natural foods we eat contain minerals and vitamins, which aid in the production of melanocytes. Fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, proteins, nuts olive oil etc are known to have an impact on our skin. A right diet combined with a therapy can work wonders in getting rid of vitiligo.