Hypopigmentation is a loss of skin color due to genetics, a health condition, or trauma. It can affect people from birth or develop later in life. Show
A person with hypopigmentation may have no color in their skin across their whole body, their skin is lighter than expected, or they have patchy areas of light and darker skin. It happens when there is damage that affects the melanocytes, cells that produce melanin. When the production of melanin falls in some areas or throughout the body, it leads to a loss of skin color. Common causes of hypopigmentation include:
In this article, learn about the different types of hypopigmentation and why they occur. To understand hypopigmentation, it is helpful to know how skin usually gets its color. Melanocytes are pigment cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the protein that gives skin, hair, and eyes their pigment, or color. The amount of pigment in a person’s skin will depend on genetic factors and sun exposure. However, for some people, pigmentation disorders can affect their skin’s darkness or lightness. If the cells that produce melanin become damaged or have unusual genetic features, this can affect melanin production and skin color. It can lead to hypopigmentation, the loss of skin pigment or color. This loss of color may occur all over the body or in patches. The size and shape of the patches can vary widely. Hypopigmentation can affect skin of any color, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin because of the contrast between their natural skin color and the white patches. People with darker skin may also be more prone to hypopigmentation after an inflammatory reaction. There are several different causes of hypopigmentation, such as:
Cosmetic skin treatments, such as chemical and laser peels, may also cause hypopigmentation if the procedure is done incorrectly. Some chronic or genetic conditions can cause hypopigmentation. In these cases, hypopigmentation is usually present from birth. Various conditions can result in hypopigmentation. Here are some of them. AlbinismAlbinism is an inherited disorder that results from a change in one of the genes that affect melanin production. The result is a reduction in melanin and a lack of skin pigmentation. Albinism is present from birth but does not become more severe over time. A person with albinism may have:
The person may also have eyesight problems, as melanin plays a role in the development of the retina, a part of the eye that plays an essential role in vision. They will also be more prone to sunburn and skin cancer. VitiligoVitiligo is a long-term condition in which pale patches appear on the skin. It can affect any part of the body but most commonly occurs on the:
It can also occur at the hair roots, which may result in hairs growing in gray or white. Experts do not exactly know what causes vitiligo, but it occurs when melanocytes disappear from the skin, leading to a fall in melanin production. In some cases, this may result from an autoimmune condition, when the body mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells. Vitiligo can occur at any age but usually appears before the age of 30 years. It tends to become more widespread over time. Is it possible to prevent vitiligo? Pityriasis albaA person with pityriasis alba will have raised, slightly inflamed patches on their skin that can lose pigment over time. The lesions usually resolve within a year without intervention. However, it can take several months to a few years for the pigmentation to return. Pityriasis alba tends to be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The lesions usually affect the:
The cause of pityriasis alba is not known, but it may be associated with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. The loss of pigmentation is probably a result of inflammation. Pityriasis alba usually occurs during childhood and adolescence. Pityriasis versicolorPityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin infection, sometimes called tinea versicolor. The fungus that causes it lives on the skin of most people, but it does not usually cause symptoms and is not contagious. However, if the fungus grows more than usual, the skin can change color in patches, usually on the:
On darker skin, the patches are often light. On pale skin, they may be pink, red, or pale brown. They are flat and circular and can join together to form a larger area. It is most common among young adults. Here are some images to help identify the different types of hypopigmentation. A doctor will examine any areas of skin changes, and they may recommend some tests. These include:
Treatment for hypopigmentation depends on the cause.
People with hypopigmentation may have a higher risk of:
Tips that can benefit people with hypopigmentation include:
Here are some questions people often ask about hypopigmentation. What causes hypopigmentation?Skin loses its color when the body cannot produce enough melanin. Causes include genetic factors, trauma, and inflammation. Blisters, burns, dermatitis, and fungal infections are all possible factors. Does hypopigmentation go away?It will depend on the cause. Albinism results from genetic factors and will not change over a person’s lifetime. Vitiligo tends to become more widespread over time. Pityriasis alba usually resolves within a year, while pityriasis versicolor often disappears with antifungal treatment. How does one treat hypopigmentation at home?It is not always possible to treat hypopigmentation, but some causes will need medical treatment. Avoiding sun exposure can help protect the skin, and moisturizers can help prevent dryness. Various conditions can involve a loss of skin color, known as hypopigmentation. Pale patches of skin can occur if a person has certain genetic features, if they experience some types of inflammation, if trauma occurs, such as a burn, and for other reasons. Some of these, such as albinism, are lifelong conditions. Others, such as vitiligo, appear later in life. Some occur with a short-term disease and resolve over time. Anyone who has concerns about changes in their skin color should consult a doctor, who will advise on the most suitable approach. What is hypopigmentation Milady?Hypopigmentation is the absence of normal amounts of melanin (the chemical that gives skin its color) caused by disease, injury, burns or other trauma to the skin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color, or pigment.
What is the term for a flat spot or discoloration?A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin less than 1 centimeter (cm) wide. It doesn't involve any change in the thickness or texture of the skin. Areas of discoloration that are larger than or equal to 1 cm are referred to as patches.
Which of the following skin disorders is commonly called liver spots?Age spots are also called sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Which skin disease is caused by the skin cells turning over faster than normal?But in people with psoriasis, they start to attack healthy skin cells by mistake. This causes the deepest layer of skin to produce new skin cells more quickly than usual, triggering the immune system to produce more T-cells.
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