Leucoderma Treatment

Overview

Leucoderma, also known as vitiligo, is a long-term skin condition characterized by areas or patches of skin losing their pigment. The affected skin areas turn white with sharp margins. Although no drug can completely stop the loss of pigment cells (melanocytes), various treatment options are available to manage the condition. Treatments include topical creams, light therapy, and surgery. There is no cure, but different methods may help restore some skin tone and improve appearance.

How is the Treatment Done?

Several treatment options are available for vitiligo:

• Creams and Ointments: Corticosteroid creams may help restore the original skin color, especially if used early. Ointments containing tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be beneficial for small areas of depigmentation, particularly on the face and neck.
• Psoralen and Light Therapy: This involves using a plant-derived substance known as psoralen combined with light therapy (UVA, UVB, or excimer light) to return color to light patches. Depigmentation agents can also be applied to unaffected areas to blend skin tones.
• Skin Grafting: This procedure involves removing a small section of normal skin and attaching it to areas with lost pigment.
• Blister Grafting: Blisters are created on the skin through suction, and the tops of these blisters are removed and transplanted to discolored areas.

Who is Eligible for the Treatment?

Individuals experiencing skin color loss in patches, premature whitening or greying of hair, or loss of color in the tissues lining the inside of the mouth, nose, or eyeball should consult a doctor to determine if they have leucoderma and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Who is Not Eligible for the Treatment?

Consult a doctor before starting any treatment, as certain health conditions may affect the suitability of specific methods. Some treatments have potential side effects that need to be considered.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Treatments for vitiligo may have side effects, including:

• Redness, swelling, itching, and dry skin: Common with topical treatments.
• Skin Sensitivity: Depigmentation makes the skin highly sensitive to sunlight.
• Surgical Risks: Skin grafting can lead to infection, scarring, cobblestone appearance, spotty color, or failure to recolor. Blister grafting may cause new patches of vitiligo. Tattooing can be challenging to match with natural skin color and may result in additional patches.
• Drug Side Effects: Drugs affecting the immune system may have links to lymphoma and skin cancer.