Dr Ramji Gupta

Leucoderma (Vitiligo)

 

Leucoderma is a term generally used for white patches present on the skin and mucous membranes (lips and genitals). Generally populations often confuse it for leprosy. Leucoderma manifests with white patches on the skin. However, all white patches on the skin are not leucoderma. It is generally considered to be incurable. With the tremendous progress during the last few years, leucoderma can now be considered to be a completely curable disease.

 

Leucoderma (Vitiligo) is basically a harmless disease except for its cosmetic implication. There are no risks from leucoderma to any of the internal organs as compared to diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc. There is no need for any inhibitions and prohibitions. A patient of leucoderma can be as efficient physically, intellectually and sexually as any other individual.

 

The main approach for the treatment of this disease has been directed towards inducing repigmentation in the white areas, while almost no effort has been made to control the disease process. The latter should be the first priority because if this is not done the patient will continue to develop new lesions even while the old lesions are getting repigmented. This is commonly the major causes of frustration in the patients as well as the doctors.