Vitiligo - white patches appears on the skin

Vitiligo is otherwise known as leukoderma and is a condition in which white patches appears on the skin. Medically it is known as achromia and is a skin disorder. Mostly Indians and Mexicans are affected by this. Depigmented area increase progressively. This causes more mental problems than physical ones.

Symptoms
Itching

White patches on skin

Dark spot within white patches

Pigmentation all over the body

Change in skin colour (skin turns to white)

More chance of sunburn

Causes
Body heat, exposure to wind are all likely to cause this disease. Excess heat may cause problem with proper blood circulation. Losing of skin pigment called melanin that gives colour to skin. Sunburn, viral infection and physical trauma to skin can trigger the condition. When exposed to sun skin reddens and then the out skin layers peels off and darker skin forms in the area. This can also happen if melain production is blocked. Melanin producing cells called melanocytes area attacked and destroyed by unknown factors. In such a case skin loses its colour. Genetic factors are another cause for vitiligo. Pressure of tight cloths, wearing of gloves etc are also likely to cause this disease.

Treatment
Certain Vitamins are helpful in treating Vitiligo. Folic acid, Vitamin b12 and Vitamin C are prescribed to those with this disorder. Light therapy is yet another method of treatment. It is found that supplementing with amino acid L-phenylalanine (LPA) is also helpful. Exposing to sun is also found to have some affect on Vitiligo. Restoration of normal skin by surgery is yet another method. Bleeching of normal skin is also done. Using sunscreens can help to reduce spreading of disease to more area. While using sun protection creams the Sun protection factor (SPF) must not be less than 30 SPF. Cover ups can be used like cosmetics. Topical Corticosteroid Creams or Topical Oxsoralen are used for spot treatments. Mini grafting is yet another method in which normal skin is transplanted to affected area. Tattooing (micropigmentation) is a method in which pigments are implanted in to skin with the help of surgical instrument.

Alternative medicine
PUVA (psoralen and ultra-violet A) is the primary treatment available. Psoralen is derived from a herb called Psoralea cordyfolia. Skin is exposed to Psoralens (acts as photoactivators) along with UV-A in a controlled amount to rejuvenate malanocytes. There are several other chinese herbal medicines which are combination of herbs. Some of them are Compound Tablet of Tribulus containing spirodela, ho-shou-wu, xanthium etc. Another one is a combination of herbs like astragalus, peony, raw and cooked rehmannia etc. In addition to this Shou Wu Decoction is also prescribed by chinese medicine. There are certain external treatments also. Among Chinese medicine Vitiligo resolving capsules, liniment, paste and lotion are also available. Homeopathy is found effective for treatment of vitiligo. Ayurvedic medicines are also found helpful in treating Vitiligo.

Links
http://www.medicinenet.com/vitiligo/article.htm
http://www.leucoderma.com/app/default.asp
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-treatment/
http://www.vitiligoskindisorder.com/show/alternative-treatment/