What are skin pigment disorders?
Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells
in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a
person's skin color.
What is the function of melanin?
Melanin gives color to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. Levels of
melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases
melanin production - to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays.
In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production.
What are the different types of skin pigment disorders?
|
Pigment Disorder
|
Characteristics
|
Treatment
|
| albinism |
This
rare, inherited disorder is characterized by a total or partial lack
of melanin in the skin, compared to the pigmentation of siblings and
parents. Albinos (people with albinism) have white hair, pale skin,
and pink eyes. Vision is often affected. |
There
is no cure for albinism. Albinos should avoid sunlight because they
lack natural protection from sunlight - melanin. |
| melasma |
Dark
brown, symmetric patches of pigment on the face. During pregnancy
this is called the "mask of pregnancy." |
Sunscreens
and avoiding sun exposure can prevent melasma from becoming worse.
Other treatment may include prescription creams to lighten the patches. |
| pigment
loss after skin damage |
Sometimes,
following an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection, the skin does not
replace some of the pigment in that area. |
No
treatment is necessary. Cosmetics can usually cover the blemish. |
| vitiligo |
Smooth,
white patches in the skin, vitiligo is caused by the loss of pigment-producing
cells in the skin (melanocytes). The white patches are very sensitive
to the sun. |
There
is no cure for vitiligo. Treatment may include covering smaller patches
with long-lasting dyes, light-sensitive drugs, in addition to ultraviolet
A light therapy, corticosteroid creams, and depigmentation of the
remaining skin. |
|
