The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled a new treatment for Leucoderma, otherwise known as Vitiligo, with a herbal drug named ‘Lukoskin’. This auto-immune skin disorder causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues and organs, resulting in patches of skin losing their pigment.
World Vitiligo Day 2019
Annually, June 25 is commemorated as World Vitiligo Day as a means to spread awareness about this skin condition. The theme for World Vitiligo Day 2019 was ‘The Quality of Life of a Vitiligo Patient’, emphasizing the mental and emotional toll that this disease can take on those affected by it.
Lukoskin: A Herbal Intervention
The currently available treatments for Vitiligo such as allopathic, surgical and adjunctive are both expensive and based on single molecules. Additionally, these treatments have been reported to have a very low efficacy and often come with side-effects like blisters, edema, and skin irritation.
This is where Lukoskin comes into the picture. Developed by DRDO, this herbal remedy is composed of seven distinct elements, each possessing properties beneficial to treating Vitiligo. These include photosensitizing the skin, reducing irritation and blisters, acting as an antiseptic, promoting wound healing, and supplementing copper. Furthermore, Lukoskin is available in both topical ointment and oral liquid form, enabling it to halt the formation of new spots.
Vitiligo: Understanding the Disease
Vitiligo or Leucoderma manifests itself through pale white patches appearing on the skin due to a lack of melanin – a pigment necessary for skin color. Contrary to public perception, Vitiligo is neither contagious nor life-threatening. However, patients suffering from it face the risk of experiencing inflammation in the iris, hearing loss, and sunburn. Certain factors such as genetic conditions or stressful situations can predispose an individual to Vitiligo.
Symptoms and Susceptibility
Although Vitiligo can emerge at any life stage, it is more commonly witnessed in individuals in their twenties. People diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, particularly hyperthyroidism, are more vulnerable to developing Vitiligo compared to those without any autoimmune illnesses.
Vitiligo Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Global Incidence | The worldwide incidence of leucoderma is reported at 1-2%. |
| Incidence in India | In India, the incidence ranges around 4-5%, with some regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat experiencing rates as high as 5-8%. |
| Social Perception | Due to a lack of awareness, Leucoderma is often mistakenly associated with leprosy, leading to a social stigma against the non-contagious skin disorder in places like India. |
Conclusion
By focusing on treatments like Lukoskin, the future looks promising for enhanced efficacy in managing Vitiligo symptoms. This herbal solution developed by DRDO offers hope for those grappling with this complex skin disorder, aiding them in leading more comfortable lives.
