Hypopigmentation is caused by a decrease in melanin levels, resulting in three main types: vitiligo, albinism, and loss of pigmentation due to injury or damage. Vitiligo has no cure, while albinism is inherited and increases the risk of skin cancer. Loss of pigmentation caused by injury or damage may not be permanent.
Hypopigmentation is the lack or loss of the natural color of the skin. This is caused by a decrease in the level of melanin, the substance responsible for the pigmentation, or color, of the skin. A depletion of melanocytes, or cells located on the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis, causes a decrease in the amino acid tyrosine. This amino acid is needed for the production of melanin, or pigment. Without it, or when there isn’t enough of it, hypopigmentation occurs.
There are three main types of hypopigmentation, including vitiligo, albinism, and loss of pigmentation due to injury or damage to the skin. These are often permanent, but in some cases they can be treated or even cured. However, treatment depends on the type, severity, and cause of the problem.
Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce pigment are damaged. It is an autoimmune disease that causes smooth, white or very light-colored hypopigmented patches to appear on the skin. There is currently no cure for Vitiligo, but several treatments can be used to cover the patches. These include special cosmetics, light treatments and corticosteroid creams prescribed by a doctor.
Albinism is inherited and leads to a complete lack of melanin. This causes an absence of pigment throughout the body, including the skin, hair and eyes. People with albinism are unable to produce melanin, due to an abnormal gene, and have a higher risk of developing skin cancer or sun damage. Wearing sunscreen whenever they’re outdoors can help reduce this risk, as well as staying out of the sun for extended periods of time.
Loss of pigmentation caused by skin damage or injury is the third type of hypopigmentation. Areas of skin that have been affected by blisters, burns, infections, or other injuries may experience a loss of pigmentation. It can also be caused by aging or laser resurfacing treatments. This is the only type of hypopigmentation that isn’t always permanent, and the skin can actually recur over time.
This condition most often affects Caucasians, but can occur in any race. Individuals with the disorder often have very light red or blond hair and blue or gray eyes. However, individuals with albinism will lack pigment in their hair, skin, and eyes, resulting in a very pale appearance, nearly white colored hair, and pink skin and eyes.
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