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Dermatology

Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders

Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders | Birthmarks | Skin Cancer | Treatment for Skin Cancer | Benign Skin Growths | Skin Pigment Disorders

Skin Pigment Disorders

What are skin pigment disorders?

Skin color is determined by pigment (melanin) in the skin and the colors of the upper layers of skin. Skin pigment is yellow, dark brown, or black in color. The melanin color determines a person's skin color.

What is the function of melanin?

Melanin gives color to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases melanin production -- to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. The increased production of melanin when sunbathing leads to "tanned" skin. In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production.

What are the different types of skin pigment disorders?

Pigment Disorder
Characteristics
Treatment
albinism This rare, inherited disorder is characterized by a total lack of melanin in the skin. Albinos (people with albinism) have white hair, pale skin, and pink eyes. Vision is often affected. There is no cure for albinism. Since melanin helps protect the skin from the sun, albinos should avoid direct sunlight.
melasma Dark brown, symmetric patches of pigment on the face. During pregnancy this is called the "mask of pregnancy." Sunscreens and avoiding sun exposure can prevent melasma from becoming worse. Other treatment may include prescription creams to lighten the patches.
pigment loss after skin damage Sometimes after an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection heals, the skin loses some of its pigment in that area. No treatment is necessary. Cosmetics can usually cover the blemish.
vitiligo 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. Vitiligo can be caused by physical trauma or certain diseases, such as Addison's disease or diabetes. There is no cure for vitiligo. Treatment may include covering smaller patches with long-lasting dyes, light-sensitive drugs, in addition to ultraviolet A light therapy, corticosteroid creams, and depigmentation of the remaining skin.

This page was last updated on: January 30, 2008.

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