Depigmentation
Depigmentation
Depigmentation (pronounced: dee-pig-men-TAY-shun) is a medical term that refers to the lightening or loss of skin color. It is caused by the reduction or absence of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes.
Etymology
The term depigmentation is derived from the Latin word 'de-' meaning 'removal' or 'reversal', and 'pigmentum' meaning 'paint'. Thus, it literally translates to 'removal of color'.
Causes
Depigmentation can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the common causes include:
- Vitiligo: This is a long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment.
- Albinism: A group of inherited disorders characterized by little or no production of the pigment melanin.
- Pityriasis Alba: A common skin condition in children, characterized by colorless, scaly skin patches.
- Lichen Sclerosus: A chronic skin disease that causes white patches of thin skin, usually in the genital area.
- Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, such as hydroquinone and monobenzone, can cause depigmentation.
Treatment
Treatment for depigmentation varies depending on the underlying cause. Some of the common treatments include:
- Topical corticosteroids: These are creams or ointments containing steroids, which can help to restore pigment in some cases.
- Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy: This involves taking a drug that increases the skin's sensitivity to light, followed by exposure to a specific type of ultraviolet light.
- Microskin: A simulated second skin which is formulated individually to color correct skin conditions.
- Depigmentation therapy: In cases where vitiligo is widespread and other treatments have not worked, removing the remaining pigment may be an option.
Related Terms
- Pigmentation: The coloring of a person's skin.
- Hypopigmentation: A condition that causes patches of skin to become lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Hyperpigmentation: A condition that causes patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Depigmentation
- Wikipedia's article - Depigmentation
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