Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (such as after injury to the skin) or complete (such as from vitiligo). It can be temporary (such as from tinea versicolor) or permanent (such as from albinism).
Other causes of depigmentation of skin
- Albinism (Inherited Lack of Skin Pigment)
- Dermatitis (Inflammation of the Skin)
- Infection (Commonly Fungus Called Tinea Alba or Pityriasis Versicolor)
- Steroid (Corticosteroids, Either Topical or Injected)
- Trauma Injury to Skin
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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QUESTION
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. See AnswerPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
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Picture of Tinea Versicolor
This title designates a superficial fungal infection (tinea) that changes color (versicolor). See a picture of Tinea Versicolor...
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Picture of Vitiligo (Neck)
The condition tends to progress and may even become universal. A variety of treatment modalities are commonly employed, with...
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Picture of Vitiligo on Back
These are more illustrations of fairly extensive cases of vitiligo. See a picture of Vitiligo on Back and learn more about the...
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Picture of Vitiligo: Hair
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin...
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Picture of Vitiligo: Punch Grafts
Vitiligo (pronounced vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin...
Causes of Depigmentation of Skin
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Burns (First Aid)
Burn types are based on their severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second-degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the burn location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
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Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female blackfly. Symptoms include skin depigmentation, vision loss, and itch. Ivermectin is used to treat the disease.
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Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
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Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin that gives the skin color.
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