Loss of Pigmentation Skin Disorders

There are several conditions that can lead to the loss of skin pigmentation. Taking care to prevent tanning or overexposure to the sun can help to minimize the white appearance of skin that has lost pigment.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that involves the destruction of the skin cells that produce pigment. It results in white patches of varying sizes on the skin.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin. The affected areas can appear pink, red or brown. It can also appear white when the skin around the infection tans.

Trauma

Trauma to the skin, such as a burn or a wound that develops a scar, can cause a loss of pigment and make the skin appear pink, brown or white.

Albinism

Albinism is a rare skin disorder in which a person does not have any pigment cells in the skin, hair or eyes.

Warning

Even with a loss of pigmentation in the skin, affected areas should still be protected by a sunscreen if sun exposure is expected. Skin that does not have pigment can still burn, which increases the odds of developing skin cancer.

Resources

• National Institutes of Health for mor about skin pigmentation