Written & Approved by-
Dr. Rajesh Shah
M.D. (Hom.)
What Is Vitiligo or Leucoderma? Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Coping Tips
Treated 20,000+ Patients Till May 2025
(I) What are Vitiligo and Leucoderma?
Millions of people worldwide suffer from Vitiligo and Leucoderma. These are conditions characterized by the disappearance of color, which causes white patches on the skin that may cause emotional and psychological trauma to the patient.
Vitiligo is a skin condition wherein the appearance of white patches occurs because melanocytes – cells responsible for producing pigment called melanin get destroyed.
Vitiligo can be observed anywhere on the human body, including a person's face, limbs, feet & even the mouth interior.
It affects people irrespective of their racial background, but it becomes more pronounced among those with dark skin.
Leucoderma?
Leucoderma is often seen as a form of Vitiligo & it happens when patches on the skin lose their pigment. What causes Vitiligo is different from what causes Leucoderma.
It can form from external factors such as burns, chemical exposure, or injuries that lead to loss of pigmentation in the affected area. In contrast with Vitiligo, Leucoderma does not usually have a progressive nature.
Even though there are several treatments available in modern medicine, some people choose alternative therapies such as homeopathy since it has a holistic approach.
In this blog post, we will go deep into what Vitiligo and Leucoderma are, their triggers and signs, and how homeopathy can provide effective treatment.
(II) Causes of Vitiligo - Why Does One Get Vitiligo?
Vitiligo's Causes are Not Fully Understood
Vitiligo is a disease of which the exact cause is not fully understood. However, there is an increasing understanding of the processes involved in the development of Vitiligo. In most cases, there are multiple causes responsible for vitiligo. However, there are theories suggesting
a) Autoimmune Links
It is often noticed that those suffering from vitiligo have some autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks its cells, including melanocytes. The cells fighting among themselves, leading to the destruction of the melanin, is one of the reasons. There are other immunological factors as well.
One of the studies has suggested the role of some neuropeptide Y (NPY), which may damage melanin. Such neuropeptides may be released in response to skin injury or emotional stress, again suggesting a combination of causative factors.
b) Hormonal Connections
Thyroid hormones, melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), and adrenal hormones like cortisol imbalance can cause or worsen Vitiligo. As per our experiences hypothyroidism, diabetes, and PCOS often coexist with vitiligo, suggesting a hormonal and autoimmune link. Changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, or stress may also act as triggers for vitiligo or white patches on skin, especially in genetically predisposed individuals.)
c) Genetic Tendencies
Instead: This means that if there is a family history of Vitiligo condition, then one will be at risk.
d) Neural Theory
The Neural Theory suggests that neurochemical mediators released from nerve endings may be toxic to melanocytes. It is primarily associated with segmental vitiligo, often following a dermatomal pattern. Stress or nerve damage may trigger these neurochemical changes, leading to localized depigmentation.
e) Autocytotoxic Theory
As per this theory, there is the self-destruction of melanocytes and, hence, melanin. This could be a result of genetic, immunological, neural, or stress factors.
f) Environmental Triggers
Exposure to certain chemicals, sunburn, or extreme stress may cause or worsen white spots on the skin in people who have an inherited predisposition for this disease.
g) Oxidative Stress
The destruction of melanocytes can occur due to imbalances between free radicals and antioxidants within the body.
(III) In Simple Words - Vitiligo Is Caused by One or Two of the Following Processes
a) Melanin cell destruction, leading to loss of color on skin, leading to white patches of vitiligo.
b) Defective process of melanin formation; hence, no skin color formation
The exact cause for the above processes remains unknown.
Some theories are considered responsible for the above processes in Vitiligo. The probable causes of vitiligo are explained elsewhere on this site. In brief, genetic and immunological factors in the background are considered responsible for vitiligo.
Vitiligo spots on legs due to the destruction of the melanin (pigment) cells due to lesser-known processes (essentially what is called an auto-immune disorder), the normal skin starts losing pigments from various parts of the skin at a varying speed and extent.
Our clinical experience, based on the treatment of over 20,000+ cases (as of May 2025), suggests that there is a strong genetic factor in the background of most cases, especially those who have extensive vitiligo or vitiligo affecting the fingertips, toes, lips, or genitals. A strong genetic factor indicates a family history of one or more auto-immune diseases such as vitiligo, alopecia areata, diabetes, an underactive thyroid, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, or allergies.
Vitiligo sufferers are observed all over the world, including the white skin population. However, most cases are recorded epidemiologically in India (8.8%) and Mexico. As per the American Academy of Dermatology survey, an estimated 1-2% of Americans have vitiligo. Males and females are affected equally, including children of all age groups.
It may begin at any age. Childhood vitiligo is not uncommon. We have registered cases as young as three months old and late-onset vitiligo at the age of 80. At Life Force, we have practically all nationalities (from over 182 counties) with different skins (genetically speaking) who have presented to us with vitiligo, which has given us the opportunity to understand this disease much better than most other regular clinics.
"In short, vitiligo is not as severe a disease as it has been thought to be. However, it requires attention, treatment, and management."
(IV) Symptoms, Early Signs, and Diagnosis of Vitiligo
A) Symptoms and Early Signs of Vitiligo
White patches on the skin form the main symptom of Vitiligo and Leucoderma. These patches might initially be small but may enlarge over time. Other symptoms include
1) Spread Pattern
Symptoms of Vitiligo may vary from a single, tiny spot of depigmentation to 10-20 spots of moderate size to innumerable, large patches all over the body.
Its spread may also vary from static to very slow or moderately to rapidly spreading. Underlying factors determine the size and extent of the spread.
2) Appearance of Spots
The typical symptom of Vitiligo is a milky white depigmented spot or spots. They may vary from a single white spot to multiple places.
The shape, too, is variable, round, or irregular. In some cases, generalized depigmentation is observed all over the body. It tends to start as a single spot and gradually grow in size and number.
3) Common locations
It may present with a single or several spots on the limbs, abdomen, or back and then spread to other body parts.
4) Hair Depigmentation
In some vitiligo patches, the hair may turn gray, suggesting a loss of melanin pigment at the roots.
5) Mucocutaneous involvement
In some cases, the patient shows affection for the mucocutaneous junctions such as fingertips, mouth corners, genital, and around the eyes. The spread of the disorder is usually slow and progressive.
A symmetrical appearance on both sides of the body (say, legs, hands, etc.) is typical. In rare cases, Vitiligo spreads all over the body. Patients often worry if the disease spreads to the entire body, which rarely happens.
B) Diagnosis
Diagnosis is generally through physical examination of the skin. Sometimes, a biopsy and blood tests may be necessary to rule out other diseases and identify underlying autoimmune disorders.
For accurate diagnosis of Vitiligo, patients are requested to consult a dermatologist. The doctor's experience, examination of the patch under a wood Lamp, and a few laboratory tests, such as a thyroid profile, can help diagnose Vitiligo. (put an image of a wood lamp)
In rare conditions, a skin biopsy is advised by the doctor. Experts' experienced eyes, examination with Wood's lamp, and other laboratory tests, such as skin biopsy, can differentiate Vitiligo from similar skin conditions and confirm the diagnosis of Vitiligo.
If you have any queries regarding any chronic disease, feel free to contact us.
(V) Types of Vitiligo
1) Non-Segmental Vitiligo
2) Segmental Vitiligo
3) Generalized Vitiligo
4) Localized or Focal Vitiligo
5) Universal Vitiligo
6) Acrofacial Vitiligo
7) Drug-Induced Vitiligo
1) Non-segmental Vitiligo: It is a type of Vitiligo wherein patches appear on both sides of the body. It may start on hands, wrists, eyes and tend to spread overtime.
2) Segmental Vitiligo: It is a type of Vitiligo wherein the patches appear on one side of the body, such as one side of face or on one hand and leg.
3) Generalized Vitiligo: In this type the white spots may appear across various areas of the body.
4) Localized or Focal Vitiligo: In this type of Vitiligo patches are limited to a small area of the body.
5) Universal Vitiligo: It is a rare type of Vitiligo wherein more than 80% of the skin loses its pigment, making it difficult to find areas of normal skin colour.
6) Acrofacial Vitiligo: Acrofacial Vitiligo is a type that mainly affects the face, hands and feet.
7) Drug-Induced Vitiligo: Drug-Induced Vitiligo may happen because of side effects of certain medicines, especially those affecting the immune system or melanocytes.)
Your doctor will analyze the type of vitiligo based on your clinical condition and medical history. Choosing conventional and alternative treatment modes for vitiligo can help you provide good relief from vitiligo. The conventional treatment can be gradually tapered with alternative natural solutions for perfect vitiligo treatment.
(VI) Vitiligo: Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is Vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which the skin loses its color pigment, melanin. The melanin pigments may either be destroyed or lost.
2) What is leucoderma?
Leucoderma and vitiligo practically mean the same thing. Leuco means white, and derma means skin. Patches on the skin are called leucoderma. However, every case of leucoderma may not be vitiligo. Leucoderma is a term more commonly used in Asian countries.
3) What are the causes of leucoderma (vitiligo)?
The exact cause of vitiligo is not clearly understood. However, there are several theories, which are explained in detail on this page: http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-causes.aspx
4) No one in my family has vitiligo. How did I get it?
One can get vitiligo even if no one in the family has or has had vitiligo. Most patients with vitiligo have a family history of one of the autoimmune diseases, such as Vitiligo, diabetes, hypothyroidism, alopecia areata, cancer, etc., which suggests a genetic link. Many times, patients may not be fully aware of the relevant family history.
5) How serious is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is NOT a serious disease. In fact, it is one of the most benign conditions that our body can have. I suggest my write-up on this topic at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-innocent-disease.aspx
6) Is vitiligo infectious? Can others touch me if I have vitiligo?
Vitiligo does not spread by touch. It is not caused by any germs such as bacteria or viruses. It is 100% safe to touch one who has vitiligo. It is a sign of ignorance if one avoids touching the person who has vitiligo.
7) Should I stop eating some food articles if I have vitiligo?
Some instructions about food have been described on this link: http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-diet.aspx.
8) My child / I have vitiligo. How do we cope with the stress?
Please read a small write up on "How to cope up with vitiligo?" at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-coping.aspx.
9) I have vitiligo. I fear that it will spread. What are the chances of it spreading?
It is not possible to predict whether a person's vitiligo will spread. However, experience shows that certain factors may make one more prone to extensive vitiligo. Some of the factors that can increase the chances of it spreading, though this is not always the case, include:
1. Strong family history of vitiligo
2. Appearance of vitiligo spots on both sides (bilateral) of the body, including fingertips, toes, and lips
3. Association with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or diabetes
10) I also have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and vitiligo. However, my thyroid is well controlled with medicine. How would it help my vitiligo?
Controlled Under Active Thyroid will help control your vitiligo. However, it has been observed that even if your thyroid levels are normal, you are still at higher risk of having vitiligo spread.
11) Is sun exposure harmful to the vitiligo spots?
Exposure of vitiligo spots to the rising sun and the setting sun is helpful in vitiligo spots. The gentle sunlight is useful in vitiligo and helps for natural re-pigmentation.
Due to the lack of melanin, patches of vitiligo on the skin have no natural protection against the sun's rays. Therefore, the most important reason for protecting your skin is to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Exposure to the sun is not likely to increase vitiligo. However, it might tan the skin, making the vitiligo spot look more prominent.
Exposure to harsh sunlight should be avoided, and if the person experiences sunburn or discomfort, the patient should use sunblock creams, a cap, full clothes, or an umbrella.
12) What is the conventional treatment for vitiligo?
The conventional treatment comprises of use of
1. Corticosteroids (local and oral)
2. Psoralen
3. Immunosuppressants such as Cortisone and Tacros.
4. Phototherapy
5. Skin grafting and cosmetic surgery, etc.
13) I have been prescribed cortisone (cortisone, steroids), which has helped, but I am getting more spots on my body.
It is a common experience of most clinicians that corticosteroids in the form of cream, oral, or injections may help the patient initially, but it tends to lead to an increase in the vitiligo spots on stopping it. Also, steroids have various adverse effects. You need to understand from your doctor the scope and limitations of using cortisone before you opt for it. Please check these two links:
1. Cortisone is no longer effective as a long-term treatment for Vitiligo.
2. Adverse effects of Cortisone
14) What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine that originated in Germany. That uses highly diluted substances to treat various conditions, based on the idea that "like cures like.
15) How does homeopathy treat vitiligo?
Homeopathic treatment treats vitiligo by possibly regulating the immune mechanism.
> Controlling the spread of Vitiligo by attempting to correct the immune system
> Enhancing the natural melanocyte formation (melanogenesis)
16) What are the strengths and limitations of homeopathic treatment for treating vitiligo?
Homeopathy is believed to treat vitiligo by stimulating the melanin and controlling the genetically determined melanin destruction process. Early, less extensive cases of vitiligo respond extremely well to homeopathy. However, in moderately severe cases, it can control further spread. In cases of extensive (wide-spread) cases, homeopathy cannot offer much success.
Please read more about your chances of cure at http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo.
Please conduct this curability test by clicking http://www.askdrshah.com/app/vitiligo/vitiligo-curability-register.aspx
17) If I am on conventional medicines such as cortisone (steroids), can I start with homeopathy?
Yes
18) Do I need to stop the conventional medicines if I have to start with homeopathy?
No. Initially, you have to continue both medicines simultaneously. Once your vitiligo improves, you have to reduce the dose of conventional medicines.
19) Are there side effects of homeopathic medicines?
Homeopathic medicines have no harmful adverse side effects and are generally safe)
20) Do they interact with conventional medicines?
No. Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with conventional medicines.
21) When do I start seeing improvement after starting homeopathy medicine?
Most patients start observing improvement within about six to eight weeks. Those who are on steroids may take time.
22) If I am on some other medications, such as drugs for diabetes, hypertension, etc., do I have to stop them while on homeopathy?
No. If you start with homeopathy, you can continue all other medicines for other diseases. Homeopathy does not adversely interact with conventional medicines.
Expert Insights - Dr. Rajesh Shah (M.D.) Shares Thoughts on Vitiligo
Vitiligo is one of the most innocent diseases. After examining over 20,000+ cases of Vitiligo by May 2025. I would like to share some thoughts with the patients and their relatives (especially the parents) who may be overly concerned about the disease.
Most patients and parents, especially those who attach undue social significance to the altered look of the skin due to the depigmented patches, must realize some points about which they possibly did not think earlier:
1) Vitiligo is the only skin disease that does not itch, pain, or cause any physical discomfort.
2) Vitiligo belongs to the group of diseases called autoimmune diseases. Some of the autoimmune diseases are diabetes, cancer, hypothyroid, alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), and lichen planus etc. Vitiligo is the mildest of all the above-stated autoimmune diseases.
3) Vitiligo is a chronic disease that belongs to a group of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, migraine, Parkinson's disease, brain disease, paralysis, ulcerative colitis, and cancer. Those who have vitiligo instead of other chronic diseases must feel happy that they were saved from other disabling chronic diseases.
4) In a study at our center, we have observed that most cases of vitiligo have a family history of one or more autoimmune diseases, such as hypothyroidism, Cancer, Diabetes, alopecia areata, hypertension, or such disease, denoting that the patient could have suffered from a harsher disease than vitiligo.
Patients who suffer from vitiligo should familiarize themselves with the above facts, which can convince them that vitiligo is the most innocent disease and that it is better to have vitiligo than any of the above-stated diseases.
Written & Approved by-
Dr. Rajesh Shah
M.D. (Hom.)