Loss Of Pigment In Skin White Spots

The pigment in our skin is made up of a substance called melanin.Melanin is a complex polymer derived from the amino acid tyrosine.

Melanocyte cells are specialized cells found throughout the top layer of our skin (the epidermis).

Once melanin is produced, it spreads to other skin cells nearby, resulting in a uniform appearance of color in our skin.Melanocyte cells can cluster in groups or "nests" and form moles, freckles, age spots, and other skin marks.

At times, our skin may lose pigmentation, resulting in white spots and patches.

The loss of pigmentation is referred to as hypopigmentation.

Causes of Hypopigmentation

• Trauma, such as burns, blisters, scrapes, or other injuries that scar and deplete melanin in the skin, is a common cause of hypopigmentation. It can also be caused by congenital conditions like vitiligo or albinism.
• Hypopigmentation can occur as a result of an inflammatory skin reaction or a skin infection that impairs melanin production in the skin.
• Some examples include seborrheic dermatitis, tinea versicolor, pityriasis alba, and eczema.

Treatments for hypopigmentation

• Hypopigmentation is typically a harmless condition that is difficult to treat; however, some specialized creams, topical treatments, laser treatments, or medication prescribed by a doctor can help reduce the appearance of white spots or patches. 

What could be the source of the white spots on the skin?

• While loss of pigmentation can be concerning, it is not always so.Check out some of the most common causes of white spots below, and be sure to see a doctor to find out what's causing yours.

    1. Tinea Versicolor

• Tinea Versicolor is a condition that occurs when a naturally occurring yeast on the skin called pityrosporum ovale grows out of control and begins to change the pigmentation of the skin. 
• Patches of skin may become lighter or darker as a result of this.Tinea versicolor can be caused by a number of factors, including hot weather, oily skin, a compromised immune system, hormonal changes, and excessive sweating.
• This condition is more common in adolescents and young adults, but it also affects adults who travel to warm and humid climates.Tinea versicolor is usually treatable with over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are often effective in removing the discolored patches or spots.
• If these medications do not work, you should contact your doctor for additional tests to confirm tinea versicolor.
• To treat the condition, a doctor may prescribe a topical cream or prescription pills.
• Many people are able to completely eliminate the infection, but the skin may remain discolored for weeks or months afterwards.
• The condition can sometimes resurface, particularly if the patient returns to a warm environment or changes hormonal medications.

    2. Lichen Sclerosis

• Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition that causes thin patches of white skin to appear.
• It is a chronic condition that usually affects the genital skin.It is most common in menopausal women, but men and children can also be affected. 
• Smooth white spots on the skin, white patches that join together and become cracked or sore, itchiness, fragile skin, wrinkly or thickened skin, blisters, and pain when having sex or going to the bathroom are all common symptoms. 

    3. Eczema

• Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by inflammation that results in red, itchy, and dry skin.Within a red rash, white patches or spots can form.
• This condition is most common in children, but it can persist into adulthood.Eczema is characterized by dry, scaly, thickened skin that is almost always itchy.Eczema can cause skin discoloration, making the affected area lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, especially in people with darker skin.
• Eczema's cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to allergies and asthma, and it is thought to be an overactive immune response to an irritant.
• Although there is no cure for the condition, the symptoms can be managed.
• Eczema will even go away for many people over time.To alleviate symptoms, doctors can prescribe topical corticosteroid creams and ointments, oral medications, and light therapy.

    4. Pityriasis Alba

• Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder that most commonly affects children and young adults and causes pale pink or red and scaly patches on face. 

    5. Vitiligo