Hypopigmentation
| Hypopigmentation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Hypopigmentation in vitiligo. | |
 | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
Hypopigmentation is characterized specifically as an area ofskin becoming lighter than the baseline skin color, but not completely devoid ofpigment. This is not to be confused with depigmentation, which is characterized as the absence of all pigment.[1] It is caused bymelanocyte ormelanin depletion, or a decrease in theamino acidtyrosine, which is used by melanocytes to make melanin.[2] Some common genetic causes include mutations in thetyrosinase gene orOCA2 gene.[3][4] As melanin pigments tend to be in the skin, eye, and hair, these are the commonly affected areas in those with hypopigmentation.[2]
Hypopigmentation is common and approximately one in twenty have at least one hypopigmented macule. Hypopigmentation can be upsetting to some, especially those with darker skin whose hypopigmentation marks are seen more visibly. Most causes of hypopigmentation are not serious and can be easily treated.[5]
Signs and symptoms
Associated conditions
It is seen in:
- Albinism[2]
- Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
- Leprosy
- Leucism
- Phenylketonuria[2]
- Pityriasis alba
- Vitiligo
- Angelman syndrome
- Tinea versicolor
- Yaws
- An uncommon adverse effect ofimatinib therapy
- Injections of high concentrations ofcorticosteroids (transient)[1]
Diagnosis
Areas of lighter pigmentation can be indications of hypopigmentation.[6] Biopsies and genetic information are also used to diagnose.
Treatments
Often, hypopigmentation can be brought on by laser treatments; however, the hypopigmentation can be treated with other lasers or light sources.[7]Micropigmentation can also be used to obtain a more normal appearance of the hypopigmentated skin.[8]
Treatment for hypopigmentation depends on the initial cause of the discoloration.[9]
| Initial Cause of Discoloration | Treatment |
| Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis | No treatment |
| Postinflammatory hypopigmentation | Treat the underlying inflammatory disease to restore pigmentation |
| Pityriasis versicolor | A topical ointment, such as selenium sulfide 2.5% or imidazoles. Can also use oral medications, such as oral imidazoles or triazoles. |
| Vitiligo | Topical steroids, including calcineurin inhibitors. Patients can also have transplants if they're stable or a depigmentation with topical MBEH if the patient has widespread discoloration. |
| Chemical or drug induced leukoderma | Avoidance of causative agent with subsequent treatment similar to vitiligo. |
| Piebaldism | None; occasionally transplants. |
See also
References
- ↑1.01.1Shinkai, Kanade; Fox, Lindy (2018)."Dermatological Disorders".Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.Archived from the original on 2022-04-17. Retrieved2022-03-26.
- ↑2.02.12.22.3Ferrier, Denise R. (2017).Biochemistry (Seventh ed.). Philadelphia.ISBN 978-1-4963-4449-6.OCLC 956263971.
- ↑Bolognia, Jean; Braverman, Irwin (2014). "Skin Manifestations of Internal Disease".Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
- ↑Cross, Harold."Biochemical Basis of Diseases".The Big Picture: Medical Biochemistry Eds. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.Archived from the original on 2022-04-17. Retrieved2022-03-26.
- ↑Hill, Jeremy P.; Batchelor, Jonathan M. (2017-01-12)."An approach to hypopigmentation".BMJ.356: i6534.doi:10.1136/bmj.i6534.ISSN 0959-8138.PMID 28082370.S2CID 26827617.Archived from the original on 2022-02-24. Retrieved2022-03-26.
- ↑"Hypopigmentation: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatments, More".Archived from the original on 2021-10-21. Retrieved2022-03-26.
- ↑Reszko, Anetta; Sukal, Sean A.; Geronemus, Roy G. (14 July 2008). "Reversal of Laser-Induced Hypopigmentation with a Narrow-Band UV-B Light Source in a Patient with Skin Type VI".Dermatologic Surgery.34 (10): 1423–1426.doi:10.1097/00042728-200810000-00021.PMID 18637814.
- ↑Haney, Beth (September 21, 2019). "Permanent and Semi-permanent Micro-Pigment Treatments".Aesthetic Procedures: Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Cosmetic Dermatology. Cham: Springer International Publishing. pp. 59–66.doi:10.1007/978-3-030-19948-7_7.ISBN 978-3-030-19947-0.
- ↑"What Causes Hypopigmentation, and How Is It Treated?". Healthline.Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved10 May 2020.
- ↑Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Longo, Dan L. (Dan Louis), 1949-, Fauci, Anthony S., 1940-, Kasper, Dennis L., Hauser, Stephen L., Jameson, J. Larry., Loscalzo, Joseph. (18th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 2012.ISBN 9780071748902.OCLC 747712285.
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External links
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