Pigmentation disorder
Pigmentation Disorder
Pigmentation disorder (/pɪɡmənˈteɪʃən dɪsˈɔːdər/) is a medical condition that affects the color of the skin. It is caused by the body producing either too much or too little melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Etymology
The term "pigmentation" is derived from the Latin word 'pigmentum', meaning 'paint'. The term "disorder" comes from the Old French 'desordre', meaning 'lack of order or sequence'.
Types of Pigmentation Disorders
There are several types of pigmentation disorders, including:
- Hyperpigmentation: This condition occurs when the body produces too much melanin, causing patches of skin to become darker than the surrounding skin.
- Hypopigmentation: This condition occurs when the body produces too little melanin, causing patches of skin to become lighter than the surrounding skin.
- Vitiligo: This is a type of hypopigmentation disorder where the body's immune system attacks the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, causing white patches to appear on the skin.
- Albinism: This is a genetic disorder that causes a lack of melanin production, resulting in little or no color in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Causes
Pigmentation disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, sun exposure, certain medications, and skin damage.
Treatment
Treatment for pigmentation disorders depends on the underlying cause and may include topical creams, laser therapy, and in some cases, oral medication. It is important to consult with a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pigmentation disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Pigmentation disorder
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