 Because it is so common, it has been argued that it may in fact represent a variation of the normal appearance rather than a disease, but empirical evidence suggests that leukoedema is an acquired condition caused by local irritation.It is found more commonly in black skinned people and tobacco users.The term is derived from the Greek words λευκός "leukós", "white" and οἴδημα "oídēma", "swelling".