What are skin pigment disorders?
Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin color.
What is the function of melanin?
Melanin's role is to protect DNA in body cells from sun damage. It gives color to the skin, hair, and irises of the eyes. Sun exposure increases melanin production to protect the skin against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays. In addition, hormone changes can affect melanin production.
What are the different types of skin pigment disorders?
|
Pigment disorder |
Characteristics |
Treatment |
|
Albinism |
This is a rare, inherited disorder. It reduces the amount of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism (albinos) have white hair, pale skin, and pink or blue eyes. Their eyes may seem red in different lighting conditions. Many also have vision problems. |
There is no cure for albinism. People with this condition should avoid sun damage to the skin and eyes by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. |
|
Melasma |
This causes dark brown to gray-brown, symmetric patches of pigment on the face. During pregnancy, this is called the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure, hormones, and birth control pills are thought to cause melasma. |
Sunscreens and avoiding sun exposure can prevent melasma from getting worse. Other treatment may include prescription creams containing hydroquinone and tretinoin to lighten the patches. Chemical peels and laser treatment can also be used. |
|
Pigment loss after skin damage |
Sometimes after an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection, the skin does not replace some of the pigment in that area. |
No treatment is needed. Makeup can usually cover the blemish. |
|
Vitiligo |
This causes smooth, white patches on the skin. It is caused by the loss of pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes). It's thought to be an autoimmune disease. The white patches are very sensitive to the sun. |
Treatment may include covering smaller patches with makeup or long-lasting dyes, light-sensitive medicines, UV light therapy, corticosteroid creams, surgery, and removing the remaining pigment from the skin (depigmentation) so that white areas are less obvious. A prescription skin cream for vitiligo called ruxolitinib was FDA approved in July 2022. |
|
Solar lentigo |
Commonly known as age spots or liver spots, these areas vary from light to dark brown. Age spots are caused by long-term sun exposure. They are found on areas of greatest sun exposure, like the face, forearms, and backs of the hands. |
Treatment may include skin creams or procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy. |
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2023
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
Understanding Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a chronic skin disease. It's a rash that can develop anywhere on the body. But it most often occurs on the wrists, arms, legs, scalp, and genitals.
3 Common Childhood Skin Conditions No One Talks About
Oozing sores, speckled bumps, and itchy groins might not come up in conversation with other parents. But annoying and embarrassing skin conditions affect many children. It’s time to break the silence about three icky problems and how to solve them.
Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash
Detailed information on poison ivy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Baldness
Baldness, or hair loss, can be caused by many things including aging, hormones or illness. It's more common in men and can be treated with hair transplants or other procedures.