Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Pigmentation Disorders
Number of Conditions: 5
Vitiligo
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Pigmentation Disorders
Symptoms:
white patches on the skin; loss of pigmentation in hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes; typically symmetrical distribution
Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, leading to depigmented areas of skin.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; Wood’s lamp examination to highlight depigmented areas.
Treatment:
Topical or systemic treatments to restore pigmentation or camouflage the skin.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol ). Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus ). Psoralen with UV-A therapy (PUVA).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1% of the global population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disorders).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; treatment can stabilize or repigment skin in some cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological distress; Sunburn on depigmented skin; Association with other autoimmune conditions
Hyperpigmentation (e.g., Melasma)
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Pigmentation Disorders
Symptoms:
darkened patches of skin, typically on the face; irregular borders; symmetrical distribution; often exacerbated by sun exposure
Root Cause:
Overproduction of melanin by melanocytes, often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or medications.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; Wood’s lamp examination to assess depth of pigmentation.
Treatment:
Topical depigmenting agents, sun protection, and chemical peels.
Medications:
Topical hydroquinone – for skin lightening. Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin ) – for skin renewal. Azelaic acid or kojic acid – alternative depigmenting agents.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, particularly in women and those with darker skin tones.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pregnancy, hormonal therapies (e.g., oral contraceptives), sun exposure, family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; recurrences are common without sun protection.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological distress; Persistent discoloration despite treatment
Albinism (Hypopigmentation)
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Pigmentation Disorders
Symptoms:
complete or partial absence of melanin in skin, hair, and eyes; sensitivity to sunlight; vision abnormalities
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation affecting melanin production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, family history, genetic testing (for albinism).
Treatment:
Sun protection, camouflage makeup; no cure for albinism.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors – for post-inflammatory cases. Vitamin D supplements – for albinism due to reduced sun exposure.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
1 in 17,000 to 20,000 people worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic inheritance (albinism), history of skin inflammation or injury.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition; manageable with precautions.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sunburn; Skin cancer; Vision problems
Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Pigmentation Disorders
Symptoms:
localized light patches of skin following inflammation or injury
Root Cause:
Loss of melanocytes or reduced melanin production following skin trauma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, family history, genetic testing (for albinism).
Treatment:
Sun protection, camouflage makeup; no cure for albinism.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors – for post-inflammatory cases. Vitamin D supplements – for albinism due to reduced sun exposure.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially after skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic inheritance (albinism), history of skin inflammation or injury.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves over time.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psychological distress due to cosmetic appearance
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Specialty: Dermatology
Category: Skin Disorders
Sub-category: Pigmentation Disorders
Symptoms:
darkened patches of skin at sites of previous inflammation or injury; irregular borders; can affect any part of the body
Root Cause:
Overproduction of melanin in response to skin trauma, inflammation, or injury.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; differentiate from other hyperpigmentation causes.
Treatment:
Topical depigmenting agents, chemical peels, and sun protection.
Medications:
Topical hydroquinone – for depigmentation. Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin ) – to improve skin renewal. Azelaic acid or kojic acid – alternatives for skin lightening.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, or any condition causing skin inflammation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Gradual resolution over months to years with treatment; recurrence possible if underlying cause persists.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent discoloration; Psychological distress due to cosmetic concerns