Decreased skin pigmentation
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| Decreased skin pigmentation Classification and external resources |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Phone:617-525-6884
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Overview
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
In alphabetical order. [1] [1]
- Albinism
- Chemical leukoderma
- Congenital birthmarks
- Piebaldism
- Pityriasis alba
- Tuberous sclerosis that can result in hypopigmentation
- Vitiligo
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
- Determine degree of hypopigmentation and depigmentation
- Family history of thyroid disease, diabetes and endocrine problems
- Obtain personal history, include:
-
- these may help determine the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis
Eyes
- perform eye exam to aid in diagnosis of albinism
Other
- Wood's lamp exam can be used to emphasize Hypo- and depigmented areas
Laboratory Findings
- Labs include:
- CBC (in suspected vitiligo patients)
- Thyroid function tests
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Skin biopsy for vitiligo
Treatment
Acute Pharmacotherapies
Vitiligo
- Topical steroids
Chronic Pharmacotherapies
Vitiligo
- Oral beta-carotene for patients with chronic vitiligo and albanism
Indications for Surgery
Punch minigrafting from normal skin donors to vitiligo patients can aid in the repopulation of melanocytes
Primary Prevention
- Sunscreen can protect from further skin issues
References
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
