leucoderma, a taboo.... no more...causes point to something different

Leucoderma/vitiligo defined as irregular patches of depigmentationdue to an autoimmune disorder invoiving melonocytes which give colour to our skin. previously thought to caused by wrath of godess or sins in past life,a risk of passing this disorder to nextGen, society used 2 keep those people at a distance.

now it is known it is caused by many factors like

1) Immune Hypothesis - Melanocyte destruction and dysfunction or both may result into Hypopigmentation of vitiligo.

2) Neural Hypothesis - Neurochemical inhibitors are released at nerve endings that destroy the melanocytes or inhibit their functioning.

3) Melanocyte Self-Destruction Hypothesis - Proposes that an intermediate inmelanin synthesis causes Melanocyte destruction.

4) Dietary deficiency of Proeins and Cupro minerals is a major factorfor causing vitiligo. Serum skin and cerebro-spinal fluid copper levels are low in theses cases.

5) A gastro-intestinal disorder like Chronic amoeboisis, chronic Dyspepsia and Intestinal Worms may be additional factors.

6) Use of Broad spectrum Antibiotics , especially Chlormphenicol and Streptomycin leads to appearance of vitiligo.

7) Trauma or Local irritations caused by wearing the sari or Trousers too tightly do produce vitiligo in individuals predisposed to it.

8) Acute Stress may be followed by fast spreading typeof vitiligo proving the theory of Troponeurosis. Emotional crisis may be an additional factor.

9) An Endocrinal disorder may be operative,Diabetes, Pernicious anaemia, Thyrotoxicosis, Myxoedema, and Addison'sdisease may be associated with vitiligo.

10) Composite Hypothesis - None of the theories alone is entirely satisfactory. Actual mechanism of inhibition or destruction of melancytes is much more complex than any of these mechanisms suggested.

Precipitating Factors:-

a) Emotional Crisis - Death in family, Loss of job , Sudden shock etc.
b) Gastro intestinal tract disorders like Worms, Jaundice, amoeboisis etc.
c) Prolonged use of Drugs ,antibiotics,Oral anovulating agents etc.
d) Local causes like trauma,burns exposureto chemicals etc.

 Though it is not contagious, it causes a lot of embarrassment, particularly in females, who regard it as a social stigma. Hence it is needed to create a social awareness so as to say "it is only a skin deep."