Leukoderma is a cutaneous condition, an acquired condition with localized loss of pigmentation of the skin that may occur after any number of inflammatory skin conditions, burns, intralesional steroid injections, postdermabrasion, etc. It is largely a cosmetic problem, and is neither infectious nor contagious.

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by portions of the skin losing their pigment. It occurs when skin pigment cells die or are unable to function. Aside from cases of contact with certain chemicals, the cause of vitiligo is unknown. Research suggests vitiligo may arise from autoimmune, genetic, oxidative stress, neural, or viral causes.Vitiligo is typically classified into two main categories: segmental and non-segmental vitiligo.

The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but research suggests that it may arise from autoimmune condition in which immune system of body destroys its own cells & tissues, genetic, stress. There are different theories suggesting autoimmune syndrome (a condition whereby the immune system of body destroys body’s own tissues & cells), impaired hepatic function as jaundice, gastric disorder, typhoid fever etc. Leucoderma may appear due to certain external accidental causes, such a burn, a cut or an ulcer. These external factors damage melanocytes, the cells beneath skin which produce the melanin pigment. It results in diminished skin colour patches, which later converts white and prominent, forming white patches.