Exact cause of ‘Vitiligo’ remains unknown. However, there are different theories suggesting autoimmune syndrome, impaired hepatic function as jaundice, gastric disorder, typhoid fever etc. Although, excessive mental worry, presence of parasites in alimentary canal and mostly improper hygiene too may also be considered to be the causes. An example of this is ‘Virudh Ahaar Sevan’ (e.g. fish & milk together) forms toxic substances which gradually destroys body’s own immunity system according to Ayurveda.

In Ayurvedic classical literature, such as the Charaka Samhita, Leucoderma is also known as svitra or kilasa. The sarvaroga nidanam of svitra share these points.

The development of Leucoderma in an individual is said to be caused by the incorporation of the following unwholesome regimes into their life:
 
      •   Intake of mutually contradictory food, and drinks which are liquid, unctuous and heavy;
      •   Suppression of natural urges;
      •   Performance of physical exercise in excessive heat and after taking very heavy meals;
      •   Trauma or stressful activities regularly.

Heredity is almost 20-30% considered to be a causative factor. If parents have history, then there are more chances of one developing ‘Vitiligo’. Moreover, it is not a rule. Numerous cases of Vitiligo do not have a relevant family history of it.

But, for Leucoderma/Vitiligo the most responsible factor are the ‘non functioning melanocytes’, cells which produce melanin pigment and provides natural colour to skin. These melanocytes cells gets inactivated or hypo activated due to various external or internal reasons as bad food behavior, abrupt life schedule, genetical inheritance etc. resulting in lesser production of melanin. Due to lack of melanin pigment the area of skin looses its basic colour forming a pale/white spot. The spot gradually enlarges and forms a larger patch. In some cases these patches remain stagnant through whole life. But in most cases these spread spontaneously and merge to each other covering most of the skin area. Alternately, in many cases only one patch enlarge spontaneously covering a larger skin area.