Leucoderma is an aesthetically unpleasing condition that leads to loss of pigmentation in the skin. It is caused by the destruction of melanin cells. The most concerning thing about this disease is that it may affect anyone at any age. From infants to senior citizens anyone can suffer from leucoderma at any point in time. Doctors and medical researchers have long tried to get to the bottom of this disease but they are yet to confirm a single originating cause of this problem. Ayurveda, on the other hand, explains this disease as an imbalance of energies (Vata, pitta, and Kapha) and works to restore that lost balance with natural therapies and medication. The leucoderma ayurvedic treatment has worked well for centuries for patients of this disease just like homeopathy.
What Causes Leucoderma?
Years of observation and diagnosis allowed medical practitioners to prepare a list of plausible causes of leucoderma:
- Autoimmune diseases: Overactivity of the immune system can easily destroy melanin cells in the skin. It has been observe as a key cause of vitiligo in major parts of the world.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals: Intense exposure to specific chemicals can easily squash melanin cells in the skin resulting in depigmentation. It is common among factory workers and technicians who work in close proximity to harsh chemicals for a long time.
- Hereditary Factors: There is a high genetic predisposition towards this disease. Although a patient may show symptoms of leucoderma at any age it is observe that the most prominent symptoms of this disease appear around the age of 20.
Major Treatment Options
leucoderma ayurvedic treatment is planned according to the extent of its patches, location, and the total number of patches. Allopathy treats this disease in three specific ways:
- Medical: This part includes the administration of medicated ointments and oral medicines. Some patients also need to undergo photochemotherapy that includes exposure to PUVA rays that encourages re-pigmentation of colorless cells. If the depigmented patches outgrow the size and number of pigmented areas, some doctors suggest the removal of colored skin areas to give an even tone to the skin.
- Cosmetic: It involves the usage of skincare and cosmetic products like makeup, due, and sunscreens to hide and relieve the symptoms of vitiligo.
- Surgical: Surgical methods include some intense measures like skin grafting and tattooing. It is mostly prescribe for those who have small-sized patches here and there.
How Ayurveda Views Leucoderma?
Svitram is the term Ayurveda uses to describe leucoderma. It is describe as a chronic and progressive skin condition that leads to depigmentation of the skin. Our skin is a highly sensitive organ that works in sync with bioenergies like Vata and Pitta Dosha.
The symptoms may vary from the appearance of rose-red to white-colored patches. Susrutha, leucoderma is a stable skin disorder which means it stays restricted to the skin surface. Although Charaka says that this disease is the result of the accumulation of vitiated doshas in body tissues.
Panchakarma is the first thing that comes line when it comes to successful treatment for leucoderma. The treatment begins with simple therapies like Virechana that involves induced purgation. It is usually followed by lubricant therapy that soothes the alimentary canal after induced vomiting. Patients need to maintain a healthy and simple diet along with a healthy lifestyle as the treatment moves ahead.
The Bottom Line
It is important to include daily exercise in your routine. Regular physical workouts help in the quick detoxification of the body and flush out the toxins that accumulate due to unhealthy food, pollutants, and habits. They also help manage the symptoms and signs of the disease in a very subtle manner. If you need some more push you can always try Pranayam, meditation, and yoga to keep your energies intact.
It is also vital to get this disease diagnose in the initial phase of the disease. It is easier to control and reverse this condition as symptoms and effects are in the initial stage. The duration of treatment is directly related to the extent and history of leucoderma both with the patient and within the family. If it is genetic, it needs to be managed well, and if due to other reasons then it can be reversed through regular treatment.