Piebaldism is a rare genetic condition that causes patches of white hair and skin due to a shortage of melanocytes. It is not curable and does not usually cause serious health problems. The condition is hereditary and can affect multiple family members. While some patients dislike the white patches, the white tuft of hair is viewed as a distinguishing mark by many cultures. Although related to albinism, it does not affect vision or skin sensitivity. Medical professionals have had limited success in restoring pigmentation.
Pebaldism is a rare inherited condition in which patches of hair and skin appear white. This is due to a shortage of melocytes, the cells that produce the melanin pigment that colors these areas. Most individuals with piebaldism are born with fully developed white areas. It is not curable and does not usually cause serious health problems. The disorder is believed to have gotten its name from a combination of the names eagle, due to the white feathers on its head, and magpie, due to having black and white feathers.
This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that depletes melanocytes. It originates in the follicles and lower skin layers before spreading to the hair and upper skin layer. The white patches can be small or cover large areas of the body. Patients with piebaldism may also have patches of skin with hyperpigmentation or darkened skin.
Most patients with piebaldism have a white tuft of hair. Since the condition is hereditary, it is possible for multiple members of the same family to have this trait. While many patients dislike the white patches of skin caused by piebaldism, the forelock tends to be viewed as a distinguishing mark by many cultures.
It is common for a patient to also have a triangular patch of white skin in the middle of the forehead. Many individuals will also have depigmentation in other areas located in the center of the body, including the back, trunk and neck. Other common areas that may lack pigmentation include the eyebrows, arms, legs and feet.
Although it’s believed to be related to albinism, patients with piebaldism typically don’t suffer from the same vision problems, as it doesn’t seem to affect the pigment in the eye, nor is skin sensitivity as severe. Most people with the condition don’t have systemic problems or shortened lifespans. In rare cases, links have been found between piebaldism and the development of problems such as mental retardation and deafness.
Piebaldism has generally not been curable. Many patients manage the condition by ignoring it or by hiding the white areas with makeup and hair dye. Although medical professionals have found some success in restoring pigmentation with skin grafts, this has only been shown to be effective in small areas of the body. There have also been attempts to darken affected areas of skin with targeted phototherapy, but these tend to be unsuccessful.
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