Vitiligo, Leucoderma
Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which
melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed. As a
result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body.
Similar patches also appear on both the mucous membranes (tissues that line the
inside of the mouth and nose), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball). The
hair that grows on areas affected by Vitiligo sometimes turns white.
Causes
The cause of Vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers
have several different theories. There is strong evidence that people with Vitiligo
inherit a group of three genes that make them susceptible to depigmentation.
The most widely accepted view is that the depigmentation occurs because Vitiligo
is an autoimmune disease -- a disease in which a person's immune system reacts
against the body's own organs or tissues. As such, people's bodies produce
proteins called cytokines that alter their pigment-producing cells and cause
these cells to die. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves.
Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or
emotional distress triggered Vitiligo; however, these events have not been
scientifically proven as causes of Vitiligo.
Who is affected
by Vitiligo?
Half the people who have Vitiligo develop it before age 20; the
disorder affects both sexes and all races equally; however, it is more
noticeable in people with dark skin.
Vitiligo seems to be somewhat more common in people with certain
autoimmune diseases. These autoimmune diseases include hyperthyroidism (an
overactive thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does
not produce enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata
(patches of baldness), and pernicious anaemia (a low level of red blood cells
caused by the failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12). Scientists
do not know the reason for the association between Vitiligo and these
autoimmune diseases. However, most people with Vitiligo have no other autoimmune
disease.
Vitiligo may also be hereditary; that is, it can run in families.
Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop Vitiligo.
In fact, 30 percent of people with Vitiligo have a family member with the
disease. However, only 5 to 7 percent of children will get Vitiligo even if a
parent has it, and most people with Vitiligo do not have a family history of
the disorder.
Symptoms
Vitiligo?
People who develop Vitiligo
usually first notice white patches (depigmentation) on their skin. These
patches are more commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the
hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches to
appear are the armpits and groin, and around the mouth, eyes, nostrils, navel,
genitals, and rectum.
Vitiligo generally appears
in one of three patterns:
1. Focal pattern -- the depigmentation is limited to one or only a
few areas
2. Segmental pattern -- depigmented patches develop on only one side of the
body
3. Generalized pattern -- the most common pattern. Depigmentation occurs
symmetrically on both sides of the body.
In addition to white patches
on the skin, people with Vitiligo may have premature greying of the scalp hair,
eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. People with dark skin may notice a loss of colour
inside their mouths.
Will
the depigmented patches spread?
Focal pattern Vitiligo and
segmental Vitiligo remain localized to one part of the body and do not spread.
There is no way to predict if generalized Vitiligo will spread. For some people,
the depigmented patches do not spread. The disorder is usually progressive,
however, and over time the white patches will spread to other areas of the
body. For some people, Vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. For other
people, spreading occurs rapidly. Some people have reported additional
depigmentation following periods of physical or emotional stress.
Homeopathy
Treatment
The main goal of treating Vitiligo is to improve appearance.
Therapy for Vitiligo takes a long time-it usually must be continued for minimum
6 to 18 months. The choice of therapy depends on the number of white patches;
their location, sizes, and how widespread they are; and what you prefer in
terms of treatment. Each patient responds differently to therapy, Homeopathy
medicines works well without any side effect.
Whom to contact for Vitiligo, Leucoderma Treatment
Dr.Senthil Kumar Treats many cases of Vitiligo,
Leucoderma In his medical professional experience with successful results. Many
patients get relief after taking treatment from Dr.Senthil Kumar.
Dr.Senthil Kumar visits Chennai at Vivekanantha Homeopathy Clinic, Velachery,
Chennai 42. To get appointment please call 9786901830, +91 94430 54168 or mail
to consult.ur.dr@gmail.com,
For more details & Consultation Feel
free to contact us.
Vivekanantha
Clinic Consultation Champers at
Chennai:- 9786901830
Panruti:- 9443054168
Pondicherry:- 9865212055 (Camp)
For appointment please
Call us or Mail Us
For
appointment: SMS your Name -Age – Mobile Number - Problem in Single word -
date and day - Place of appointment (Eg: Rajini – 30 - 99xxxxxxx0 – Vitiligo,
Leucoderma, வெண் புள்ளிகள், வெண் தோல், லூக்கோடெர்மா,
விட்டிலிகோ, வெண் குஷ்டம், – 21st Oct, Sunday -
Chennai ), You will receive Appointment details through SMS
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