Leucoderma: White Spots or Patches on Skin

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/12/13 - Updated: 2025/05/15
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Skin Conditions - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article provides a comprehensive overview of leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, a rare skin condition marked by the appearance of white patches due to the loss of skin pigment. It explains that while leucoderma is not painful, dangerous, or contagious, its causes remain uncertain, with factors such as emotional stress, hereditary predisposition, and certain illnesses potentially playing a role. The article details symptoms, including flat spots of varying sizes and colors, and offers practical advice for those affected, such as seeking a dermatologist's evaluation and adopting specific lifestyle and dietary modifications. It also highlights a range of home remedies and emphasizes the importance of avoiding triggers like harsh soaps and certain foods.

Importantly, the information distinguishes leucoderma from other conditions like tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that can also cause white spots, and outlines effective treatment options for both. This information is particularly useful for individuals with disabilities or seniors, as it addresses both the physical and psychological impact of visible skin changes and provides accessible, practical guidance for management and care - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Leucoderma, sometimes known as vitiligo or achromoderma, is a rare skin disease characterized by white spots and patches. The white patch or spot is called leucoderma, and when it occurs without any preceding disease it is called Vitiligo. Leucoderma is a symptom of vitiligo.

Main Content

Leucoderma in literal term means white skin. This kind of condition is mistaken for another skin disease i.e. leprosy. Under this skin condition, certain parts of the skin gradually lose color leaving behind white patches. This occurs due to loss of melanin, a dark pigment which gives color to skin. It may begin with a small patch but slowly and steadily spreads throughout the body. Leucoderma is not a painful, dangerous or contagious skin disease.

The actual cause is still unknown though numerous studies have been conducted on the subject. Some of the perceived causes are emotional stress, hereditary factors, worms, sunburns and physical illness. This skin condition can be aggravated due to diseases like hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pernicious anemia and Addison's disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Vitiligo?

Flat spots that range in color from white to pink to tan and brown appear over the upper arms, chest, back, neck and face. They vary greatly in size, from as small as four to five millimeters in diameter to large areas of confluence. Scaling may not be readily evident, but scales may easily be obtained by scraping the affected areas. A mild itch may be present, particularly if a person is sweating or feels hot. When the spots involve the neck or face, it can be very disconcerting.

What Can I Do About Vitiligo?

If you think you have white spots or any discolorations of the skin, see a dermatologist. The appearance of the skin is often all that is required to clinch a diagnosis, but microscopic examination of the fine scales can be performed if necessary. When viewed under a special light or chemical preparation, the presence of the yeast can be confirmed.

Tips

• Avoid stress and try to relax.
• Do not use hard soaps while bathing.
• Get a sun bath in the early hour for 20-30 minutes.
• Avoid cosmetics like cream, powder and other triggering agents.
• Avoid citrus fruits, tamarind, fish, lobsters, crabs and prawns.
• Sodium or salt consumption should be completely stopped during the leucoderma treatment.
• Increase iron deficiency by eating foods such has meat, liver, cereals, beans, lentils and green leafy vegetables.

Home Remedies for Leucoderma

• Eat figs regularly for a month.
• Eat walnuts regularly to cure leucoderma
• Poultice of ginger leaves applied over the patches also helps.
• Drink water from a copper vessel which has been kept overnight.
• Mix Harad powder in garlic juice and apply it on the white spots.
• Drink butter milk, thought to be very useful for treating vitiligo.
• Ginger juice serves as a mild stimulant in increasing blood flow to the white patches.
• Eat curry made of Bathu. Apply Bathu juice over the patches or spots at least twice or thrice a day.
• Combine 100 gms each of Alfalfa and cucumber juice. Have it in the morning and evening for few months.
• Make a dry mixture by grinding Neem leaves, flowers and fruits in equal quantity. Take 1 tsp of this powder daily with water.
• Make black gram paste and apply it on the affected area for four months. This will be very fruitful in the fight against leucoderma.
• Dry pomegranate leaves in shade and grind into fine powder. Sieve it and take 8 gms of it every morning and evening with fresh water.
• Wash and clean a basil plant along with its roots. Beat the plant and boil it in 1/2 liter water mixed with 1/2 liter oil. Once the water evaporates, mash and strain to get basil oil. Apply this oil on the white spots.
• A home remedy with the help of Babchi and Tamarind seeds can be used for vitiligo. In 1:1 proportion steep these seeds in water for three to four days. Shell and dry them in shade. Make it into a paste and apply on the white patches.

Tinea Versicolor Can Also Cause White Spots on the Skin

Fungal infections of the human body are very common, and are often quite bothersome. One such example is a condition known as tinea versicolor, a superficial yeast infection that produces white spots on the skin that are difficult to remove.

How Do I Get It?

Pityrosporum orbiculare, the yeast that causes tinea versicolor, is present in small numbers on normal skin; regular washing rids the skin of dead skin cells as well as excess yeast. But it can grow in great amounts - during the summer months when humidity sky-rockets or when a person's immune system is weakened - and interfere with the normal pigmentation of the skin; resulting in unsightly spots in both light and dark colors.

Teens and young adults, regardless of skin color, are the usual victims of tinea versicolor, and those with oily skin may be more prone to it than those with dry skin. In tropical countries, where humidity and temperature are persistently elevated, people of all ages can suffer from these spots all throughout the year.

How Is It Treated?

Tinea versicolor responds to either topical or oral forms of treatment. Topical antifungal creams, ointments, or shampoos - containing selenium sulfide, keteconazole, zinc-pyrithrone, imidazole, or other medications - applied directly to affected areas once or twice daily have proven effective.

Sulfur soap and salicyclic acid have also been used to rid skin of the yeast. Oral antifungals have been used to treat tinea versicolor resistant to topical applications. In both topical and oral forms of treatment, however, restoration of skin color should be expected several months after yeast has been destroyed. Consult your dermatologist before using any of these medications.

Recurrence is common and medicated cleansers may be needed to prevent relapses. Ask your dermatologist about them. To discourage overgrowth of fungus, keep skin dry and wear thin, loose clothing.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.