Leucoderma and its symptoms
Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The world literally means ‘white skin’. There is a gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in people with dark complexions. The condition does not cause any organic harm. It, however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarrassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. The condition thus, besides being a medical problem, also becomes a social stigma.
Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one percent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India than any other country. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the rist in that order.
The problem usually starts with a small white spot and later on it develops into patches. These patches are pale in the beginning but become whiter and whiter as time passes due to loss of pigment. As spots enlarge, they merge into each other and, in course of time, form a very broad patch. In some cases, most of the skin of the body may be covered with white patches.