White patches on the skin are a symptom of this illness. These white spots are caused by a partial or total loss of skin pigmentation.

The substance that gives our skin its color is called melanin. The amount of melanin generated will vary depending on the health of the cells that create it.

Skin tones can be made lighter or darker by varying melanin levels.

The illness results in a decrease in skin pigmentation. Leukoderma is the name for white (leuco) skin (derma). As the name implies, the illness is marked by a decrease in melanin, the pigment that is responsible for colour of skin. This is also referred as Vitilgo or Phalwahari disease.