What Are Vitiligo and Pigmentary Disorders?
Skin color is determined by a pigment called melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the body stops producing melanin. Affected areas look lighter than natural skin color and can appear on any body part.
Pigment disorders indicate a higher production of melanin. Affected areas look darker than natural skin color.
Symptoms
Discolored skin tends to appear on sun-exposed areas.
Vitiligo
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Light patches of skin – Blotches may be light or completely white.
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Premature hair lightening – Hair on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or eyelashes will turn white or gray prematurely.
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Changes to the mucous membranes – Skin tissue lightens within the nose or mouth.
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Changes in the eye/retina – The eyeball’s inside layer lightens.
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Itch or pain – A small number of people with vitiligo may experience itching or pain.
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Mood changes – Anxiety, depression or low self-esteem may develop.
Pigmentary Disorders
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Brown patches on the cheeks, chin, upper lip and forehead
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Most common in pregnant women or women taking oral contraceptives
Treatments Options
Vitiligo
Some people choose not to treat vitiligo. For those who do, a Temple dermatologist can offer several options. They include:
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Topical – For small areas, your dermatologist may recommend makeup, tanning solutions or steroids that help regain skin color. Ointments with calcineurin inhibitors may help restore pigment in small areas of the face and neck.
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Light or laser therapy – Treatment may take place in a light box or with an excimer laser to restore skin color to small facial areas. Another light therapy called phototherapy is combined with psoralen, a natural substance, to restore color to the face, trunk and the upper arms and legs.
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Surgery – Skin or blister grafting involves a dermatologist removing small sections of pigmented skin and transferring them to lighter areas. Another option is tattooing or implanting pigment in or around the lips of patients with darker complexions.
Pigmentary Disorders
Pigmentary disorders often resolve on their own after pregnancy or once a woman stops taking oral contraceptives. For those who need treatment, your dermatologist can offer:
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Topical – Sunscreen keeps brown patches from darkening. Bleaching agents lighten dark spots. Tretinoin creams, alpha-hydroxy acids and steroids may also help. Dermatologists often prescribe all three along with sunscreen.
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Laser therapy – A combination of laser therapy and topical medications can effectively lighten dark spots.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of vitiligo or a pigmentary disorder, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat vitiligo and pigmentary disorders.
