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
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
Picture of Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes small patches of discolored spots on your skin. It's also called pityriasis...
-
Picture of Vitiligo (Neck)
Vitiligo. This photo shows a large patch of vitiligo on the back neck of a child. These types of white patches develop after skin...
-
Picture of Vitiligo on Back
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the pigment forming cells known as melanocytes are injured, resulting in white...
-
Picture of Vitiligo: Hair
A condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the pigment melanin...
-
Picture of Vitiligo: Punch Grafts
Vitiligo is a common acquired disorder of skin pigmentation characterized by localized loss of skin pigment secondary to...
Causes of Depigmentation of Skin
-
Burns
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.
-
How Do You Treat Hyperpigmentation on the Face?
Learn what hyperpigmentation is and which medical treatments can help reduce hyperpigmentation on your face.
-
How Do You Treat White Spots on Skin?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your hypopigmentation symptoms and speed up your recovery.
-
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.
-
The Skin (Human Anatomy): Picture, Definition, Function and Skin Conditions
The skin is the largest organ in the body that covers the entire external surface. It protects the internal organs from germs and thus helps prevent infections. The skin is made up of three main layers.
-
The Skin: 7 Most Important Layers and Functions
The skin is the largest organ in the body and it covers the body's entire external surface. It is made up of seven layers. The first five layers form the epidermis, which is the outermost, thick layer of the skin. The hypodermis is the deepest layer of skin situated below the dermis.
-
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.
-
What Is Eosinophilic Fasciitis (Shulman's Syndrome)?
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a skin disease that causes thickening and inflammation of the skin and fascia. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and hardening of the skin, as well as occasional tissue and joint pain. Treatment for eosinophilic fasciitis aims to eliminate inflammation through the use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and cortisone.
From 
Skin Problems and Treatments Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Skin Care & Conditions Newsletter
By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.