6 Causes of Loss of Pigmentation in Your Skin
Noticing changes in your skin, like suddenly appearing white spots, may be worrying. And, while the Internet might offer a firm and ominous diagnosis, loss of skin pigmentation has a wide variety of causes, mostly benign and unknown. Loss of skin pigment ranges from patchy and passing to solid and permanent. We’re talking about more than a fading tan, and David Lortscher, Board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology, is a true source of knowledge on the subject. Use his insight below as a reference to help you consult your dermatologist for final diagnosis and treatment.
1. Pigment Loss After Skin Damage
An injury to the skin, from simply picking a blemish or a significant burn, may cause enough damage to form a white scar (hypopigment). “If the damage is enough to partially, or completely, destroy melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the area, a scar with decreased pigmentation may result,” says Lortscher. To prevent further injury, fight the urge to touch your wounds and let them heal.
Best Treatment Option: There are several topical prescriptions that possibly help with re-pigmentation of white scars, but Dr. Lortscher does not expect them to have highly noticeable improvement. Care for wounds during the healing process with a scar treatment or oil to help repair the skin, conceal with a tailored product or aim to lighten your overall skin tone to decrease contrast.
2. Vitiligo
Some skin conditions resulting in pigment loss don’t have a known cause. “Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder affecting 0.5–1% of the population, in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed by the body’s immune cells,” says Lortscher. “As a result, white patches appear on the skin in different parts of the body. Most people are otherwise healthy, although there is for some patients a greater risk of autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease and diabetes.”
Also Read: Home Remedies for Oily Skin
