Skin Depigmentation: Treatment, Diagnosis and Prevention


Skin Depigmentation


What Is Skin depigmentation? Skin depigmentation is the lightning of the skin, or loss of pigment. Skin depigmentation or depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be categorise into four
Skin depigmentation
Skin pigmentation disorders affect the color of your skin. Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. Special cells in the skin make melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.
 Different types of skin depigmentation?           
Skin Depigmentation

Attributes

Cure

Albinism(Permanent)

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.
There is no cure for albinism. Albinos should avoid sunlight because they lack melanin. This is a natural protection from sunlight.

Melasma(Temporary)

Dark brown, symmetric patches of pigment on the face. During pregnancy, this is called the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure, hormones and the oral contraceptive pill are thought to cause melasma.
Sunscreens and avoiding sun exposure can prevent melasma from becoming worse. Other treatment may include prescription creams to lighten the patches. Chemical peels and laser can also be used.

Pigment loss after skin damage(Partial)

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(Complete)

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 light therapy, corticosteroid creams, and depigmentation of the remaining skin.
Causes of Skin depigmentation

Vitiligois most common type of skin depigmentation and  is a condition in which you lose the pigment of your skin. Pigment, or melanin, causes skin color and is produced by cells called “melanocytes.” Vitiligo can sometimes develop where there are hair roots, such as on your scalp. The lack of melanin in your skin can turn the hair in the affected area white or grey.

Symptoms/Signs of Skin depigmentation
The main sign symptom of Skin depigmentation is white spots or white all over the body on the skin. The main sign of skin deco is pigment loss that produces milky-white patches (depigmentation) on your skin. Other less common signs may include: Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard, it is white spots or patches on your skin.

Areas commonly affected by depigmentation

Most commonly affected areas by depigmentation are

Expect in case of albinism which cover the whole body.
Skin depigmentation
Hypopigmentation skin disorders type

Hypopigmentation can come in many forms such as:

Albinism:This rare, inherited disorder is due to the absence of enzyme that produces melanin. As a result, albinos have abnormal gene that prevents the body from producing melanin. This can result to lack of pigmentation on the skin, hair, and even the eyes, causing them to look white. Anyone from whichever race can have this type of skin disorder. However, albisnism is most common among white people. Further, people with this type of disorder should use sunscreen all the time since they are more prone to sun damage and skin cancer. And unlike other skin disorders, there is no cure for albinism. Plus, it can be difficult to cover it up too.

Pigmentation Loss: Again, one of the most common causes of hypopigmentation is skin injury or trauma. This can result to loss of color on the affected areas of your skin. The good news is this type of condition is not permanent. But keep in mind that it will take some time to re-pigment and bring your natural color back. In the meantime, cosmetics can be used to cover the white patches.

Pityriasis Alba: This is most common in children with dark skin. It is characterized by colorless, slightly scaly and poorly defined macules and patches on the face that is assumed to be a mild form of eczema with hypopigmentation.

Vitiligo: This type of hypopigmentation is an autoimmune disease where the pigment-producing cells are damaged.   Vitiligo causes smooth, white patches on your skin that can appear either in certain areas or all over the body. Just like albinism, there is no cure for vitiligo. But the good news is there are various treatments available that can hide the white patches such as cosmetic cover-ups, corticosteroid creams or ultraviolet (UV) light treatments.

How to diagnose Skin depigmentation
Your health care provider will conduct a physical examination
He will also assess the history of the condition, which will help determine whether the disorder may be due to a developmentally programmed, congenital, or acquired cause.

How to Prevent Skin depigmentation
If it is not the permanent type such as
Albinism it can be prevented by taking these measures:
Treatment for Skin depigmentation
Skin depigmentation
Consult with your doctor primary care or dermatologist to check if you are not suffering from serious iiment such as systemic health disorder or a cancerous lesion that requires medical treatment.               
Skin camouflage Skin camouflage involves applying coloured creams to the white patches on your skin. These creams are specially made to match your natural skin colour. The cream blends in the white patches with the rest of your skin, making them unnoticeable. You can also get skin camouflage cream that contains sun block or has an SPF rating. Self-tanning lotion (fake tan) may also help to cover vitiligo. Some types can last for several days before you need to reapply them. Self-tanning lotion is available from most pharmacies. Vitamin D If your skin is not exposed to the sun, there is an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones and teeth healthy. Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D, although it's also found in some foods, such as oily fish. It might be difficult to get enough vitamin D from food and sunlight alone. So you should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D. Read more about who should take vitamin D supplements and how much vitamin D adults and children need.
Surgery may be an option for you if light therapy and drugs don't work. The goal of the following techniques is to even out your skin tone by restoring color. Skin grafting: In this procedure, your doctor removes very small sections of your normal, pigmented skin and attaches them to areas that have lost pigment. This procedure is sometimes used if you have small patches of vitiligo. Possible risks include infection, scarring, a cobblestone appearance, spotty color and failure of the area to recolor. Blister grafting: In this procedure, your doctor creates blisters on your pigmented skin, usually with suction. He or she then removes the tops of the blisters and transplants them to an area of discolored skin. Possible risks include scarring, a cobblestone appearance and failure of the area to recolor. The risk of scarring is less with this procedure than with other types of skin grafting. Tattooing: In this technique, your doctor uses a special surgical instrument to implant pigment into your skin. It is most effective around the lips, especially in people with darker skin. Drawbacks include difficulty matching the skin color, the tendency of tattoos to fade and their inability to tan. Also, the skin damage caused by tattooing may trigger another patch of skin disdepigmentation.
Skin depigmentation Home Remedies/Home Cure
Albinism is an inherited disorder caused by the absence of the pigment melanin. It can occur in skin, a home remedy. People with albinism must use a sunscreen at all times because they are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer.
Papaya Face Pack to Remove Sun Tan: Apply a face mask of mashed papaya or use papaya juice on the affected area. It's a good home remedy for tans and sunburns, plus it will smoothen and improve your skin complexion. Tomato Juice, Oatmeal and Yogurt Mix: Make a preparation of tomato juice, 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, and half a teaspoon of yogurt. Apply on the patches and rinse it off after sometime (or when it dries completely). Do it daily till you see results. Turmeric Powder and Lemon Juice: Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. Do not go out into the sun with the application on.

 Aloe Vera Juice to Lighten Dark Spots: Gently apply aloe vera juice or gel on the affected area and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. Aloe vera contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that can effectively lighten dark spots.
Orange Paste: Grate the skin of an orange and make a paste / gel with few teaspoons of milk. Leave it on for half an hour and then massage gently and wash it off with warm water. Exfoliate your face at least 3 to 4 times a week with this paste. Exfoliation encourages cell renewal and removes the dark blotches.
Sunscreen: Sunlight worsens the condition, so use sunscreen at all times.

Vitiligo Foods to Avoid: It is best to avoid sour foods including sour fruit juices, says Dr Rajesh Shah, Director at Life Force. This is because sour foods shift the pH balance of the body to acidic, but for melanin production, you need a more alkaline base. Avoid sea food too because of contaminants such as mercury.
Ginger Juice: Apply a mixture of ginger juice and red clay to the affected area. It might take a long time to heal, but it is effective.
Keep Hydrated: Drinking water kept overnight in a copper vessel can help reduce vitiligo patches. Make it a habit.
Ginger Juice: Apply a mixture of ginger juice and red clay to the affected area. It might take a long time to heal, but it is effective.

Complications of Skin depigmentation
People with Skin depigmentation may be at increased risk of: Social or psychological distress