Vitiligo (leukoderma)

Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by patches of white skin with a darker border. These patches can vary in size and can appear on some parts or all over the body. They occur as a result of the absence of the skin pigment melanin in cells. If the patches appear on the scalp, the hair growing from that area will also be white. Although these white patches are not life threatening, they are usually a concern for cosmetic reasons and since they are easily susceptible to sunburn.:

Causes: Addison’s disease, pernicious anaemia, heredity, trauma to skin, chemicals (e.g. phenol, catechol) and stress.

Who to consult: Dermatologist, dietician, GP, herbalist, homoeopath, naturopath, pharmacist.

Tags: skin, patches, pigment, melanin, sunburn, heredity, stree