Knowing vitiligo: Myths, facts, symptoms and treatment of leucoderma

Vitiligo is in no way linked to leprosy. It is not infectious or contagious

Vitiligo also called as 'leucoderma' is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system of the body attacks the healthy cells and, in turn, starts affecting the body. The condition is characterised by white patches on the skin that develops as a result of melanocytes within the skin. These are the cells that are responsible for the skin pigment melanin that gives colour to your skin. The white patches appear when the melanocytes die off. The condition is called vitiligo, or leucoderma, or white leprosy.

Symptoms

Usually pale and white spots, patchy areas of depigmented skin appear. This is generally found in those