Is leucoderma and vitiligo the same thing?
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 characterized by white patches on the skin that develops as a result of melanocytes within the skin.
What is mistaken for vitiligo?
Sometimes, vitiligo is mistaken for albinism, a group of inherited skin disorders that result in little or no pigment in a person’s skin, eyes, and hair.
What is difference between vitiligo and white patches?
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin. It’s caused by the lack of melanin, which is the pigment in skin. Vitiligo can affect any area of skin, but it commonly happens on the face, neck and hands, and in skin creases.
How does leucoderma start?
Occupation: Staying in a job that demands continuous exposure to some chemicals, or sun causing sunburns, also causes Leucoderma. Neurogenic factors – a condition where substances toxic to the melanocytes are released from the nerve ending on the skin, can cause vitiligo.
Can leucoderma be cured completely?
Fast facts on vitiligo There is no cure, and it is usually a lifelong condition. The exact cause is unknown, but it may be due to an autoimmune disorder or a virus. Vitiligo is not contagious. Treatment options may include exposure to UVA or UVB light and depigmentation of the skin in severe cases.
What is white leprosy?
As the skin gradually loses it’s color, patch by patch, other people may treat someone with vitiligo like a leper, thinking they have a contagious skin disease. In fact, vitiligo is called “white leprosy” in India. Women with it are often discriminated against in marriage.
Are all white patches vitiligo?
Hypopigmented spots that are NOT vitiligo. If the spots are not truly white, but hypopigmented and not depigmented (they don’t enhance by Wood’s lamp), then they are NOT vitiligo and could be any number of different diseases and conditions. I’ll list a few of the most common ones here.
Does vitiligo start as small dots?
Vitiligo usually begins with a few small white patches that may gradually spread over the body over the course of several months.
How can I test my vitiligo at home?
There are no at-home tests available to diagnose vitiligo. However, you can do a general self-check of your skin and look for patchy or widespread loss of pigmentation (the coloring of your skin, hair, and eyes).
At what age vitiligo starts?
Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect: Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces.
How is leucoderma diagnosed?
Our dermatologists often diagnose vitiligo based solely on a physical examination. If doctors need more information about how the condition affects your skin cells, they may suggest a skin biopsy or blood test.