Decreased skin pigmentation

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Decreased skin pigmentation

Template:Search infobox Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]


Overview[edit | edit source]

Knowing the difference between hypopigmentation and depigmentation is essential to determining the differential diagnosis.

Depigmentation is the complete loss of pigment. Hypopigmentation is a decrease in pigment. They can both indicate the diagnosis whether local or general.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

In alphabetical order. [1] [2]

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

History and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

  • Determine degree of hypopigmentation and depigmentation
  • Family history of thyroid disease, diabetes and endocrine problems
  • Obtain personal history, include:

Eyes[edit | edit source]

  • perform eye exam to aid in diagnosis of albinism

Other[edit | edit source]

  • Wood's lamp exam can be used to emphasize Hypo- and depigmented areas

Laboratory Findings[edit | edit source]

  • Labs include:

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Acute Pharmacotherapies[edit | edit source]

Vitiligo

  • Topical steroids

Chronic Pharmacotherapies[edit | edit source]

Vitiligo

  • Oral beta-carotene for patients with chronic vitiligo and albanism

Indications for Surgery[edit | edit source]

Punch minigrafting from normal skin donors to vitiligo patients can aid in the repopulation of melanocytes

Primary Prevention[edit | edit source]

  • Sunscreen can protect from further skin issues

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:77 ISBN 1591032016
  2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:68 ISBN 140510368X



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