Pigmentation Disorders
An Introduction to Pigmentation disorders
Pigmentation disorders affect the colour of the skin, hair or eyes due to an imbalance or disruption in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour. These disorders can lead to patches of skin that are lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding areas. One well-known pigmentation disorder is vitiligo, a condition where patches of the skin lose melanin, resulting in white or light-coloured areas. Albinism is another genetic disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of melanin, which leads to very light skin and hair and vision problems. Melasma causes brown or greyish patches, often on the face. The treatment of pigmentation disorders varies depending on the specific condition and its underlying cause. Sun protection, topical creams, laser therapy, chemical peels and camouflage techniques are useful ways to prevent and improve the appearance of pigmentation disorders. However, some conditions are challenging to treat, and managing their psychological impact is an important aspect of care.