Is your skin has darker or lighter spots? Hypopigmentation may be the reason. Hypopigmentation is a result of the loss of skin pigmentation that depends on the production of a substance called melanin. Higher the melanin darker the skin color and lower production of melanin skin color is lighter. The irritating thing about this disorder is, its effects can occur in spots or may cover your entire body.
Melanin disruption caused by genetic and severe environmental conditions. It is also possible for hypopigmentation from an injury to develop into an associated condition. Hypopigmentation occurs patches of skin that are lighter than your overall skin tone. The patches can vary widely according to their size and shape.
Hypopigmentation Causes
There are several different causes of hypopigmentation. Infections, blisters, burns and can all damage the skin and lead to hypopigmentation. Certain chronic conditions can also cause hypopigmentation. This condition is usually present from birth. On the other side skin treatments, such as chemical and laser peels, may also cause hypopigmentation. If the procedure is done incorrectly.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is characterized by lighter skin. However, vitiligo occurs in patches that cover your skin, rather than a widespread lack of color. Its exact cause is unknown. People who have suffered from this condition can develop lighter patches of skin anywhere on the body.
Albinism
The best known for extremely pale skin that may have little to no color is Albinism. People who have albinism are born with this condition because of a genetic mutation. In genetic condition can also make your hair white and your eyes light blue.
Lichen sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus have white patches that may eventually be enlarged, bleed and scar. It can occur in the anal and genital areas. These patches also develop on the breasts, arms, and upper body. Lichen sclerosis is most common in women experiencing menopause, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases(NIAMS).
Pityriasis alba
Pityriasis alba leftover white spots from previous cases of red, scarcely skin patches. There is no definitive cause for pityriasis alba, though it’s thought to be related to eczema. Children who have this condition may outgrow it in adulthood.
Tinea versicolor
Tinea Versicolor stems from a fungal infection that occurs from overactive yeast on the skin. Though it doesn’t lead to a complication, the resulting scaly spots can become a nuisance. This is one of the most prevalent skin diseases among people living in tropical or subtropical regions because these environments help fungal thrive, according to the American Academy of Dermatology(AAD).
Genetic
Hypopigmentation is widespread often genetic. It is possible for acquired conditions to result in temporary and even long-term discoloration includes:
- Contact dermatitis- Contact dermatitis causes touching chemicals that may lead to this type of eczema and may cause lighted skin.
- Atopic Dermatitis- The skin condition causes red, extremely itchy patches. Atopic dermatitis also is known as eczema. When the skin is healing, the patches may turn white.
- Infections of the skin- When as your skin heals, lighter pigments may appear in areas affected by the infection.
- Healed blister- The affected skin flattens and may turn darker or lighter in color.
- Scars and burns – These lead to scar tissue that’s lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Psoriasis- The autoimmune disorder causes your skin to produce new cells at an accelerated rate. psoriasis resulting sliver and red patches may eventually heal and look lighter than the rest of your skin.
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Hypopigmentation Diagnosis
On the results of a physical exam and information about your family history. Then the doctor makes a hypopigmentation diagnosis. Your doctor assesses all areas of skin and makes note of any areas where pigmentation is lighter than others. In some cases, the doctor will perform a biopsy.
Procedure for this, they’ll scrape a small sample of skin off to send to a laboratory for further analysis. This procedure is most common with suspected cases of lichen sclerosus, pityriasis alba, and tinea versicolor. The doctor also asks you about pigmentation in your immediate family. It can help them determine any genetic components.
Hypopigmentation Treatments
Ask a skin specialist, he will analyze your symptoms and subject you to an appropriate hypopigmentation treatment. After your diagnosis, treatment options will depend on overall health, age, area of coverage, and the underlying cause. If it’s related to acute inflammation hypopigmentation doesn’t usually require treatment.
It includes burns and scarring. The lack of color can resolve on its own as your skin cells within the region heal. In the affected area skin cells should be able to produce melanin again within the next couple of months.
Hypopigmentation Treatment options may include:
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- laser resurfacing or therapy
- lightening gel
Treatments for Specific Conditions
If your symptoms are tied to an underlying condition, treating the condition may help ease your symptoms. For example, the prescription of anti-inflammatory creams is used to treat lichen sclerosus and pityriasis alba. The healing process moisturizing the skin. Some other treatments include :
Vitiligo Treatment
Vitiligo Treatment is many options restorative light treatments have a 70% success rate. laser therapy, surgery, depigmentation are also options.
Tinea Versicolor Treatment
Tinea Versicolor treatment uses antifungal medications. These may be applied directly to the patches with a topical cream or maybe taken orally via pills. They recommend medications cleaner once every two to four weeks to keep the fungus from coming back.
Albinism Treatment
Albinism treatment is life long in some conditions. Talk to your doctor about what to expect in the short and long term, if your hypopigmentation is long-lasting. In this condition, you may need to take certain precautions to prevent additional complications.
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Complications Of Hypopigmentations
Hypopigmentation has a higher risk of skin cancer. This is especially true of albinism. In these cases the skin cancer itself. But server scars related to the condition may become cancerous.
Social concerns should also be considered as complications of hyperpigmentation. Some people who have vitiligo and albinism also experience social anxiety because of their skin’s appearance and how others interact with them.
Conclusion
The conclusion depends on what’s causing your pigmentation. The skin cell damage from wounds, burns, and infections will likely heal over time and then be able to give your skin color again. Hypopigmentation associated with conditions, such as albinism and vitiligo. These conditions do no shorten lifespan. A person with albinism will need to take steps to protect their skin and eyes from sun damage. Otherwise, they lead a normal and healthy life.
Hypopigmentation is not life-threatening. It can be life-altering and lead to emotional issues. Such as low confidence and a lack of self-esteem. Long term disorders require follow-ups with your doctor. Skin checkup every six months to a year is important.