Leucoderma Surgeries

Leucoderma (vitiligo) or white skin disease as it’s commonly known is a condition of the skin wherein there is a gradual loss of the pigment called melanin, from the skin layers, resulting in the appearance of white patches. The cause of leucoderma is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes. Leucoderma can affect people of any age and sex and can be seen on any kind of skin. Contrary to the popular belief, the disease is neither infectious nor contagious and is not caused due to any germs or impure blood. Leucoderma is a growing skin disorder nowadays which does not have any specific physical harm to the person suffering, but has a deep impact on the social life of the person. People having leucoderma on the visible areas of their body feel embarrassed while appearing in their social circles. Long term sufferers are more prone to fall prey to depression, anxiety and feelings of low self esteem. Many are constantly on the watch as to how the opposite person will react to their looks. Thus, it has significant negative effects on the self-image of a person, his quality of life and self esteem.

About CO2 Laser Surgery: This type of surgery prescribes for those in whom leucoderma patches do not respond to medical treatment but are stable in size for at least a year. These can be removed surgically. In this operation, the superficial skin (epidermis) of the leucoderma patch is removed by CO2 Laser. A very thin layer of normal pigmented skin of the patient is obtained and is implanted on this abraded leucoderma patch. Special dressings are put on this patch, which are to be removed after ten to twelve days. One can get rid of leucoderma patch by this operation in a short span of time at a very affordable cost. In most of the cases hospital stay is not needed. For Mucous Membrane areas like lips and genitilia only CO2 abrasion is enough, skin grafting is not necessary.