Hypopigmentation - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hypopigmentation is the loss of skin color. It is caused by melanocyte depletion a decrease in the amino acid tyrosine , which is used by melanocytes to make melanin. There are various types of whitening of skin including paleness (not actually related to pigment but related to blood supply). Some cases of hypopigmentation may be described only as " whitening " and their causes may be listed only under whitening. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin and Vitiligo the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). Certain conditions, such as pregnancy or Addison's disease (decreased function of the adrenal gland), may cause a greater production of melanin and hyperpigmentation. Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of hyperpigmentaion, and will darken already hyperpigmented areas. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by various drugs, including some antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial medication.

Causes of Hypopigmentation

Common Causes and Risk factors of Hypopigmentation

• Actinic granuloma
• Albinoidism.
• Anemia
• Anetoderma
• Vitiligo.
• Melasma
• Amino acid tyrosine

Sign and Symptoms of Hypopigmentation

Common Sign and Symptoms of Hypopigmentation

• Skin color changes
• Whitening

Treatment for Hypopigmentation

Common Treatment for Hypopigmentation

• Topical corticosteroids are the first line of therapy for children with vitiligo as well as other disorders of hypopigmentation with an inflammatory component, such as pityriasis alba.
• Topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus ointment, a formulation of the immunosuppressive macrolide FK506, represent an additional treatment option for childhood vitiligo. In a recent double-blind, randomized, half-side comparative.
• Modern photochemotherapy is successful treatment of Hypopigmentation.
• Use of sunscreens by patients with Hypopigmentation is important to prevent sunburn of susceptible depigmented areas or induction of the Koebner phenomenon.
• Sunscreen use minimizes tanning of uninvolved skin and thereby decreases the contrast with lesional skin; this can improve the appearance of vitiligo as well as disorders of hypopigmentation such as pityriasis alba.
• Other medical therapies for Hypopigmentation have been described, usually in conjunction with exposure to some form of UV radiation.

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