What is the Difference Between Leucoderma and Albinism?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Leucoderma and albinism are both skin conditions affecting the pigmentation of the body, but they have different causes and characteristics. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Leucoderma (also known as vitiligo) is considered to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks its own cells, specifically the pigment-producing melanocytes. This results in patches of white-colored skin that have lost their pigment, called melanin. Vitiligo can be reversible by turning on melanocytes and controlling resistant assault.
- Albinism is a genetic disorder caused by the absence of an enzyme that produces melanin, resulting in a complete lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, or eyes. This occurs because a person has inherited two mutated copies of one of seven oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) genes, which are responsible for melanin production. Albinism is irreversible and cannot be cured.
In summary, leucoderma is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation, while albinism is a genetic disorder that results in a complete lack of pigmentation in various parts of the body. The two conditions have different causes and treatments, with leucoderma potentially being reversible and albinism being irreversible.
Comparative Table: Leucoderma vs Albinism
Here is a table comparing the differences between leucoderma and albinism:
Feature | Leucoderma | Albinism |
---|---|---|
Description | A disorder that causes skin pigmentation loss primarily due to autoimmunity | A disorder that causes skin pigmentation loss primarily due to genetic mutations |
Causes | Autoimmune disorders like Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia, thyroid disorders, psoriasis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes | Genetic mutations |
Diagnosis | Visual analysis and family history | Medical history and physical examination |
Treatment | Medications, light therapy, and depigmentation therapy | No specific treatment, but sunscreen, protective clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, and addressing social and emotional issues are recommended |
Affected Areas | Patches of skin that lose their normal color | Patches of skin or hair that lose their normal color |
Prevalence | Not specified | 1 in 18,000 to 20,000 people worldwide |
Leucoderma is a disorder that causes skin pigmentation loss primarily due to autoimmunity, while albinism causes skin pigmentation loss primarily due to genetic mutations.
- Albinism Melanism vs Leucism
- Vitiligo vs Leucoderma
- Albinism vs Vitiligo
- Leprosy vs Leucoderma
- Pityriasis Versicolor vs Vitiligo
- Pityriasis Alba vs Tinea Versicolor
- Vitiligo vs Psoriasis
- Black vs White Skin
- Melanoma vs Nevus
- Lamellar Ichthyosis vs Harlequin Ichthyosis
- Skin Cancer vs Melanoma
- Melasma vs Hyperpigmentation
- IGH vs Vitiligo
- Melanin vs Melatonin
- Melasma vs Chloasma
- Melanocytes vs Nevus Cells
- Buruli Ulcer vs Leprosy
- Icterus vs Jaundice
- Lichen Planus vs Lupus Erythematosus