There are a variety of skin conditions which can result in areas of skin that appear lighter than an individual’s natural skin color. As a board-certified dermatologist, it is my job to figure out if the areas of concern are demonstrating partial or complete depigmentation. This is critical in helping to determine the cause.
One of the most common skin conditions that can result in partial depigmentation is post inflammatory hypopigmentation. This process occurs due to an alteration in the amount of pigment produced in an area after a source of inflammation such as eczema or acne. Another common condition that causes partial depigmentation is hypomelanosis. This presents as small circular to oval areas of lightening, usually in areas of high sun exposure such as the arms and legs. Scattered finely scaly hypopigmented spots on the chest or back could be a condition called tinea versicolor. This is due to a type of yeast that naturally grows on the skin but can be exacerbated in environments with high heat and humidity. For children, faint areas of hypopigmentation on the face may be a condition called pityriasis alba. The exact cause of this is unknown, although it is commonly believed to be a mild form of eczema.
When areas of the skin develop complete depigmentation or whitening, it is likely to be a condition called vitiligo. Vitiligo is caused by an individual’s own immune system destroying the cells that normally produce pigment in the skin. It can occur in either sex at any age and anywhere on the body. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict the natural progression of the disease which can be rapid and widespread or slow and contained to small areas. Several risk factors for vitiligo exist. These include having a family history of the condition or having a personal history of other autoimmune diseases to include autoimmune thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, Addison disease, or others.
Traditionally, treatment for vitiligo has been limited to a combination of topical corticosteroid creams or other anti-inflammatory ointments called calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus. For widespread skin involvement, phototherapy has some success. More recently, an exciting new class of medications called JAK/STAT inhibitors is becoming more widely available to treat this often-stubborn condition. There is currently an FDA approved topical JAK/STAT inhibitor called ruxolitinib cream which can lead to significant regimentation. However, it is important to note that results are slow and can often take six or more months to see. Additionally, there are several oral JAK/STAT medications in the later stages of clinical trials which will likely be available to prescribe in the coming years.
Book your appointment online with a Dermatologist at Advanced Specialty Care today, with offices in Danbury, New Milford, Ridgefield & Norwalk.
Book Your Dermatology Appointment Online
—Kenneth Helmandollar, MD
Dr. Kenneth Helmandollar specializes in a range of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, blistering diseases, acne, as well as the detection & treatment of skin cancers. He performs surgical excisions of benign & malignant lesions, cosmetic procedures including injectables, and patch testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Helmandollar is now accepting patients in Danbury, Ridgefield & Norwalk.
ADVANCED SPECIALTY CARE
Advanced Specialty Care’s Dermatology practice is welcoming and patient-centered, specializing in all of your family’s skincare needs from head-to-toe. Our board-certified Dermatologists excel in general medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology for patients of all ages, with expertise which allows them to not only diagnose and treat complex skin conditions, but also improve the appearance and condition of the skin.
Call (203) 830-4700 to schedule an appointment with one of our Dermatology specialists at any of our convenient office locations in Danbury, New Milford, Norwalk, or Ridgefield, CT.