Lecucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a distressing skin condition. The word literally means ‘ white skin’. There isa gradual loss of pigment melanin from the skin layers which results in white patches. These patches look ugly, especially in persons with dark complexions.

The condition does not cause any organic harm. It , however, brings about great psychological tension to the patient who is more embarassed than the victim of any pain or discomfort. The condition thus, besides being a medical problem, also becomes a social stigma.

Leucoderma is a fairly common disorder and it affects one per cent or more of the world’s population. The incidence is a little higher in India. The disorder can occur at any age in either sex in normal skin. It is, however, more common in women than men. The most affected areas are the hands, the neck, the back and the wrist in that order.