Vitiligo

Vitiligo, or leucoderma, is an affection characterized by circumscribed patches of skin, from which the pigment has disappeared to a greater or less extent. At the beginning the patches will be quite limited in extent, and affect by preference the face, neck, hands, and genitals. As a rule, however, they increase for a certain length of time and neighbouring patches coalesce. The borders of the spots are usually somewhat hyperpigmented; as if the pig­ment which had been removed from the centre had been simply deposited at the edges. This feature, however, is not always met with.

The course of vitiligo varies. With some individuals it reaches a certain degree of development, and then remains stationary for years; in others, it progresses indefinitely, and this so particularly when it affects the negro.

In perhaps the majority of cases there is a return of the natural pigment after the lapse of a few years, while in others the affection appears, lasts a few months and disappears, only to be followed by one or several recurrences. It may be absent during the hot months, and return during the cold ones.


The causes of vitiligo are unknown. It occurs in both sexes with apparently the same frequency, and usually without being preceded by any acute disease, or general failure of health. In fact, the majority of patients will complain of nothing except the unsightliness of the affection, which may pursue its course uncomplicated by trouble that can be attributed to it. There is no reason for believing that it ever shortens life. When we consider the per­manency and progressive nature of some cases, we are utterly at a loss to account for this curious affection.

Treatment :- The old school acknowledge their incapa­city to do anything in this affection. Our school is but little better off.

Locally, the pigmentation around the patch may be lessened by the use of strong acetic acid. Galvanism may prove serviceable. Internally the Sulphide of Arsenicum will be oftenest used with benefit. Natrum c, Nitr. ac, Sumbid and the Phosphide of Zinc may be studied.