Editorial - (2021) Volume 7, Issue 4
Xhoxhi Kulchin*
Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Received Date: September 23, 2021; Accepted Date: October 06, 2021; Published Date: October 13,2021
Citation: Kulchin X (2021) Short Note on Hypopigmentation. Clin Pediatr Dermatol. Vol 7 No.4:e002.
Hypopigmentation is a condition that leads to patches or spots of skin that are lighter than your overall skin color. Different people have different skin colours based on the production of the hormone known as melanin. If the production of melanin is low, it leads to the lightening of the skin in the form of patches. This condition is known as hypopigmentation. These effects can occur in spots on the face or may cover the whole body. Conditions like burns, blisters, and infection may also lead to hypopigmentation due to the damage of the skin. Chemical and laser peels may also cause hypopigmentation if the treatment is not done properly. It is a temporary problem, but it cannot be treated within weeks. It may take more than 1 year. Vitamin A is the main nutrient that produces the melanin hormone. The deficiency of vitamin A can also cause hypopigmentation. It can be treated by taking foods rich in vitamin A like sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and spinach.
The best treatments for this condition are topical corticosteroids or tars, light or laser treatment, or surgical skin grafting. We can treat hypopigmentation naturally by using strong sunblock, gentle exfoliation, apple cider vinegar, vitamin C, green tea, liquorice extract, and aloe vera. Melanin is produced by the melanocyte with the help of the amino acid tyrosine. The reduction in the concentration of the amino acid tyrosine may cause hypopigmentation. This condition is mainly seen in darker people due to the difference between their natural skin colour and the white spots. Chronic conditions can also cause hypopigmentation. It usually develops from birth. There are three types of hypopigmentation: albinism, vitiligo, and pityriasis alba. Albinism is a rare inherited disorder mostly found in the people of the United States. Hypopigmentation was mainly caused due to the defect of a gene which is responsible for the production of melanin, so the production of melanin hormone was reduced. Their skin and hair look white, and they also have a smaller amount of pigment in the irises of their eyes. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that damages the cells that are responsible for the production of melanin hormone. In these cases, the person may suffer from smooth, white patches on the skin membrane, which may occur in specific areas like the face, arms, and shoulders. Sometimes, it may also cause white patches on the inside of the mouth. Pityriasis alba is a condition which is mainly seen in children with dark skin that leads to the formation of light patches on the face. It may also cause eczema. People who are suffering from hypopigmentation should avoid exposure to the sun by applying sunscreen lotion. Using topical steroid cream helps to reduce the white patches. Moisturizing lotion is used to reduce the itchiness and dryness. Applying corticosteroids to the skin may help enhance color, but sometimes they make the skin become dry and breakable.
