Abstract

SIDDHA IN LEUCODERMA- A REVIEW

Dr. Rajini Srikajan* and Dr. Essakky Pandian

Abstract

Leucoderma is a condition in which the skin pigment melanin is lost from areas of otherwise normal skin. The cause of the acquired hypomelanosis is unknown but it is often familial. The histology of the vitiliginous skin is normal except that there are no functional melanocytes. Absence of pigment in the epidermis results in pure white patches of skin that are susceptible to sunburn. Because there are no other symptoms the condition could be considered harmless, except for the psychological effects resulting from disfigurement. The triggers, which range from sunburn to mechanical trauma and chemical exposures, ultimately cause an autoimmune response that targets melanocytes, driving progressive skin depigmentation. Hence it is high time to unearth the hidden treasures of traditional medicaments by subjecting them to rigorous stipulated scientific tests, inorder to prove their efficacy and excellency in eliminating the illness of human beings. Several great civilizations have thought to conquer disease and death and diverse systems of medicine have evolved in different countries at different times.[1][2][3] One among such system is Siddha presently practised predominantly in South India. In Siddha ther terminology of Leucoderma is as Venkuttam.

Keywords: Leukoderma, acquired hypomelanosis, melanin, Venkuttam, vitiliginous, Siddha.