Leukoderma is a skin disorder that causes white spots due to the loss of melanin. It can occur on unprotected skin and mucous membranes. Diagnosis involves examining the skin and blood tests. Treatment options include medications, depigmenting creams, and laser therapy. The cause is still unknown, but theories suggest immune system issues, chemical imbalances, and prolonged exposure to external chemicals.
Leukoderma is a skin disorder characterized by unsightly white spots and blotches on the skin. The white spots are referred to as leukoderma, while the enveloping spots are usually referred to as vitiligo. White spots on the skin form due to the loss of melanin, a color pigment that gives skin its color. Leukoderma usually starts with a small, localized patch that slowly spreads to other parts of the body over time.
The most recognizable symptom of leukoderma is the loss of pigment that produces patches that are completely devoid of pigmentation. It tends to occur on unprotected skin such as the hands or arms. The mucous membranes inside the mouth can also be affected by leukoderma, with white patches also appearing on the lips.
A doctor can diagnose leukoderma by examining the skin under a microscope to determine the absence of melanin. The doctor may recommend that a patient visit a specialist such as a dermatologist for a proper biopsy to rule out any skin disorders that may negatively affect skin pigmentation. A blood test can allow a doctor to view hormone levels and thyroid secretions, helping them come to a conclusion about what is causing the white spots.
Treatments for leukoderma tend to be generally ineffective, with little or no success. Medical technologies that can help alleviate the condition include medications, depigmenting creams such as monobenzone to completely whiten darker areas for a more even skin tone, and laser therapy. You should seek the recommendation of a healthcare professional or skin expert to determine which course of treatment will be able to alleviate the white spots, as different skin types will react differently to various remedies.
Despite complex medical tests, the medical community is still trying to determine the precise cause of leukoderma. The formation of the disorder tends to be sporadic, happening in a variety of demographics and groups of people. There are a number of theories about what can cause the disease, with many theories being widely accepted by the medical community.
One theory that is commonly promoted is that of flawed identity, in which the immune system mistakes melanin as a foreign contaminant, which causes the body to destroy it. Chemical imbalances in the body that create the white spots is another theory from medical professionals. The third theory states that melanin cells are destroyed due to prolonged exposure to external chemicals.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
