FAQs
What is Vitiligo?
Melanocytes produce ‘Melanin’ which gives our skin a brown colour. Loss of these cells leads to loss of the colour leading to white patches. Vitiligo is a skin condition in which the pigment-producing cells of the skin, called as ‘Mlanocytes’ are destroyed.Is Vitiligo hereditary? Is Vitiligo transmissible to family members or contacts?
Vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population. Sometimes it is seen in other members of the family. The inheritance pattern is complex since Vitiligo is caused by multiple factors. On an average it has been found that 20 – 30 % of all Vitiligo patients have at least one close relative afflicted by the disease. No. Vitiligo is not transmissible to family members or contacts.What should one do if one develops hives?
Recognizing and avoiding the trigger is most important. In mild consult of physicians and anti-histaminic tablet and application of a soothing calamine lotion will provide relief. In recurrent episodes or chronic cases consult a dermatologist.What are the important aspects to know about urticaria?
Urticaria is not contagious they are rarely permanent almost 50% of the people are free of lesions within one year. Chronic urticaria is rarely caused by allergies and is not life threatening it is treatable in most people, and may need few months to few years of long term anti histamine therapy.How can one get psoriasis?
The Exact cause of psoriasis is not known. It is a complex interplay between genetics and immunology.Genetics susceptibility and environmental factors are responsible for disease normally the epidermis or outer layer of skin is continuously replaced and it takes place in 3 & 4 weeks. There is increased turnover of skin cells in psoriasis so that the skin cells are formed and shed within a week.
Is psoriasis hereditary ? Is psoriasis transmissible to family members or contacts?
Psoriasis is multifactorial disease. it can be inherited, but the mechanisms are complex. It is not necessary that children of affected parents will develop psoriasis but there is a higher chance of dev eloping psoriasis compared to children of non-affected parents. If one parent is affected, then the chance of developing psoriasis in the child is approximately 15% and chances are increased to 40% if both parents are affected. Psoriasis is not an infectious disease & cannot be transmitted by contact.What is Leprosy?
Leprosy is a bacterial disease caused by a slow growing bacteria (Mycobacterium leprae). It affects mainly skin and peripheral nerves. Sometimes eyes and other parts of the body may be involved.How can one get Leprosy?
Leprosy is an infectious disease and a person is affected based on the immune response elicited by the body towards the infectious organism. The transmission of the bacteria is through the respiratory tract (through nose/pharynx) and in few cases through directs prolonged contact with an open/ untreated case of leprosy. One is unlikely to get leprosy from a patient who has taken treatment for leprosy with multi-drug therapy(MDT) adequately. A leprosy patient becomes noninfectious within one week after receiving first dose of treatment.Is Leprosy hereditary? Is Leprosy transmissible to family members or contacts?
No. Leprosy is not hereditary. Yes, Leprosy can be transmissible to family members or contacts. However all cases of leprosy are not transmissible. Patients who have a poor immune response to the leprosy organism and have increased number of leprosy bacilli are more likely to transmit the disease.How can Leprosy be treated?
Leprosy is treated with MDT (Multi drug therapy). Depending up on the type of Leprosy, MDT can be given for 6- 12 months. The dosage regimens include single dose (ROM therapy for single lesion pauci-bacillary leprosy), for six months(two drugs for pauci-bacillary) and for one year (three drugs for multi-bacillary).Treatment for leprosy can also be availed free of charge at public hospitals.