Leukoderma, or vitiligo, is a
skin disease of the of unknown origin. It causes
white, often symmetric,
patches primarily on the hands, face, neck, and upper torso; hair in affected areas is also white. Patches start small and enlarge slowly. The pigment
melanin, responsible for skin
color, is either deficient, or there is an absence of melanocytes, which synthesize melanin, suggesting possible hereditary factors. Leukoderma affects 1 percent of the population, but is only a cosmetic problem. Normal skin color rarely returns; there is no cure.
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