Leukoderma: Exploring Types, Causes, and Effective Treatment Plans

You may have seen many people who have white spots or patches on their skin. Perhaps you’re wondering what it is. Leukoderma is the name of the illness. It might begin as a little skin blemish. Over time, they extend and merge with other patches on your skin. Although they can form anywhere on your body, the earliest patches usually appear on your hands, forearms, feet, and face. The larger patches frequently stay in place throughout time. Whereas the smaller ones shift and change. Those with darker skin tones are most susceptible to the illness, which often appears in adults. Leukoderma is more visible in those with fair complexion, yet incidence numbers are hard to determine.

What is leukoderma?

A localised patch of white, depigmented skin caused by complete loss of epidermal chemical called melanin produced by melanocytes is known as leukoderma. This skin condition makes your skin look lighter than its actual tone and leads it to lose its natural colour or tone. Macules are the specific areas of your skin that lose their normal tone. When hair is in that specific place, the skin and hair both lose their natural pigment and turn silver. Melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which gives colour or pigment to your skin, are often destroyed by the immune system. All genders and races are equally impacted by leukoderma. People with darker complexion tones might occasionally exhibit it the most. Small white macules or spots appear first and may eventually spread over your body. Usually, it starts on your face, hands, forearms, and feet. It also shows up on the mucous membranes of your inner ears and eyes. Larger patches can occasionally spread, although they remain in one place for years at a time. The most common symptoms of leukoderma involve:  

• Patches on skin or mucous membranes  
• Patches on hair changing to silver colour
• White patches on face, hands, legs, feet, and around the eyes and mouth
• The affected area of the skin becomes more pronounced with sun exposure
• Itching
• Inflammation around the affected area on the skin

Types of leukoderma

There are mainly two kinds of leukoderma:  

• Non-segmental leukoderma: It is the most caused condition. It usually starts by causing patches on both sides of your body symmetrically.  
• Generalised leukoderma: It is the most common type and causes macules in various parts of your body.
• Mucosal leukoderma: It is a type that affects mucous membranes in your mouth and genitals.
• Focal leukoderma: It is a rare type where the macules develop in small regions on your skin, and they do not spread.
• Trichome leukoderma: This type causes a bullseye with a colourless spot.
• Acrofacial leukoderma: It is caused by the loss of pigment around your fingers, lips and near mouth and nostrils.  
• Segmental leukoderma: It is a type which only affects one side of your body.

Causes of leukoderma

Leukoderma is caused due to various reasons. Let’s see some of them,

• A lack of melanin pigment in your skin
• An autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks melanocytes
• Genetic mutations
• Frequent emotional stress
• Environmental triggers like exposure to harmful chemicals that affect your melanocytes

Treatment plans for leukoderma

Treatment for leukoderma is not compulsory, as it is not harmful and is a cosmetic condition. But for your satisfaction and emotional well-being, you may opt for a few treatment options.  

• Medications: The primary treatment is the medications prescribed by your healthcare providers. There is no specific medication to cure leukoderma, but there are certain medicines that can slowly prevent the spreading of pigmentation loss and prevent melanocytes from being destroyed by your immune system. Some of the common drugs prescribed are corticosteroids, topical Janus kinase inhibitors and calcineurin inhibitors.
• Light therapy: It is often known as phototherapy. It is given to help return pigmentation to your skin. During the therapy, the light boxes that emit ultraviolet B and medical-grade lasers are directed at the affected region of the skin, gradually removing patches and even your skin tone.  
• Depigmentation therapy: It removes the colour of your natural skin tone to match the affected areas of your skin. Monobenzone is the most used drug to depigment your skin. It is a reversible therapy of light therapy.
• Surgery: Surgeries like skin grafting and blister grafting treat leukoderma.  

Preventive measures to cure leukoderma

Some of the preventive measures for you to follow include:

• Practise safe sun exposure habits
• Apply sunscreen and moisturisers and keep your skin hydrated
• Avoid stress or any injuries to your body
• Take proper treatments for any autoimmune conditions and take care of your immune system

Conclusion

To conclude, leukoderma is a cosmetic condition that is not harmful and can be cured with proper treatment plans and by following preventive steps.