Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a poly-herbal medicine for the treatment of leucoderma (white patches on skin). Named as Lukoskin, the medicine has been introduced in the market by a private firm. The ointment has seven ingredients of plants having properties such as skin photo sensitizer, anti-blister, anti-irritation, anti-septic, wound healing and copper supplementing properties. The oral dose has been formulated to check the emergence of new spots.

What is Leucoderma?

• Leucoderma is also known as Vitiligo. It is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body.
• This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes.
• What causes Vitiligo is not known. Vitiligo may be an autoimmune disease.
• Leucoderma may appear due to certain external accidental causes, such a burn, a cut or an ulcer.

Test Your Knowledge

The branch of medicine dealing with the hair, nails, skin and its diseases is known as _________?

Who is considered as the father of dermatology practice in India?