LEUKODERMA

Hi

A 29yrs guy has approached my sis for marriage proposal. She liked him very much but in his first meeting he told her that he has Leukoderma on inner side of left arm. I want to ask that whether it can spread to his entire body in future ? and if it gets cured will there be any chance of its recurrence. pls reply as she doesnt wan't to say no to him ..but at the same time she is also worried that what if it get transfer to further generation .

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Leukoderma is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed.The exact cause is not known but a genetic or hereditary predisposition has been seen. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo but pls don’t worry as the no. of such cases are very less.

Treatment options include steroids, psoralen photochemotherapy(PUVA),depigmentation and surgical therapy like skin grafting, micropigmentation or tattooing and autologous melanocyte transplants. However the choice of therapy depends on the number of white patches; their location, sizes, and how widespread they are and the option that is convenient to you. I would suggest  you to discuss these options with a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.