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]}

• Albinism
• Chemical leukoderma
• Congenital birthmarks
• Piebaldism
• Pityriasis alba
• Tuberous sclerosis that can result in hypopigmentation
• Vitiligo

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:

• allergies
• hay fever
• asthma

• these may help determine the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis

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:

• CBC (in suspected vitiligo patients)
• Thyroid function tests

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

• Skin biopsy for vitiligo

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]

Template:WikiDoc Sources