Leucoderma, which causes white patches on the skin, has been known for centuries. Though it is not contagious, it causes a lot of embarrassment, particularly in females, who regard it as a social stigma. Hence, from a cosmetic point of view its treatment is important.
Human skin has different hues in different parts of the world The colour of the skin is due to a pigment called melanin, which is more in coloured people. When this pigment decreases, the skin turns white. The pigment increases when the parts are exposed to sun or ultraviolet rays. Hence, physicians ask their patients to expose these parts to the sun after applying their medicine. However, this effect is short-lived and at times may cause blisters. One of my patients who applied Bavchi powder mixed in water had huge blisters which had to be dressed. When the blisters healed, the skin still remained white.
COMMON TREATMENTS USED IN THE PAST AND PRESENT.
1. Psoralent compounds and Amimajus (Unani) were hailed as a great research. Side effect-digestive upsets and blisters with itching all over the skin.
2. Corticosteroids have many side effects and cannot be given for long.
3. Cuban cure for leucoderma is a placental extract and as a lotion is applied locally on the patches and then exposed to ultraviolet light.
4. Injections too have been tried, unsuccessfully. Research has to be made with Homoeopathic potencies.
