Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation
	Hypopigmentation in vitiligo.
Specialty	Dermatology

Hypopigmentation is the loss of skin color. It is caused by melanocyte or melanin depletion, or a decrease in the amino acid tyrosine, which is used by melanocytes to make melanin. ^[1] As melanin pigments tend to be in the skin, eye, and hair, these are the commonly affected areas in those with hypopigmentation. ^[1]

Presentation

Associated conditions

It is seen in:

Albinism ^[1]
Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Leprosy
Lleucism
Phenylketonuria ^[1]
Pityriasis alba
Vitiligo
Angelman syndrome
Tinea versicolor
An uncommon adverse effect of imatinib therapy

Treatments

Often, hypopigmentation can be brought on by laser treatments; however, the hypopigmentation can be treated with other lasers or light sources.^[2]

References

1 2 3 4 Ferrier, Denise R. Biochemistry (Seventh ed.). Philadelphia. ISBN 978-1-4963-4449-6. OCLC 956263971.
↑ 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.

External links

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[:0-1] 1 2 3 4 Ferrier, Denise R. Biochemistry (Seventh ed.). Philadelphia. ISBN 978-1-4963-4449-6. OCLC 956263971.

[2] 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.