what is the difference between hypopigmentation and vitiligo?

What is the difference between hypopigmentation and vitiligo? What are the symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods? Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin color changes to appear lighter than its normal color, while vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of pigment cells and the loss of melanin. We will learn the difference between them in terms of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods.

What is hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation is a condition in which the skin color changes, appearing lighter than normal in certain areas of the body. The severity of hypopigmentation varies from one case to another.

What is vitiligo

Vitiligo is a rare genetic disease that leads to the complete loss of natural pigmentation in various areas of the external body, including the hair, eyes, and skin.

Symptoms of hypopigmentation and vitiligo

Symptoms of hypopigmentation appear in:

• Skin color changes and the appearance of spots or areas that are lighter in color than the surrounding skin.
• Hair color changes: Hair and eyelashes may turn yellow, white, or red.
• Iris problems may occur.
• Extreme sensitivity to light.
• Rapid eye movement.
• Strabismus.

Symptoms of vitiligo include:

• Loss of skin color, with light patches of varying sizes and borders appearing on the skin.
• Changes in hair color: white or gray hair may appear in the affected areas.
• Changes in the color of the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth and nose.
• The patient may experience tingling or itching.
• The skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.
• The color of the inner layer of the retina may change.

What causes hypopigmentation

The skin usually acquires its natural color as a result of the production of melanin by specific cells called melanocytes. Melanin is a protein that gives the hair, eyes, and skin their distinctive color.

Hypopigmentation may result from a decrease in the number of melanocytes, low levels of the amino acid tyrosine, which is involved in melanin synthesis, or a decrease in the amount of melanin the body produces.

Causes of Vitiligo

Although the exact cause of vitiligo has not been determined, it has been determined that it is caused by an autoimmune disorder. The following factors play a role in vitiligo:

• Genetics.
• Nervous system dysfunction.
• Exposure to a difficult psychological state.
• Exposure to emotional trauma.
• Self-destruction of melanocytes.

Complications of Hypopigmentation

Complications of hypopigmentation include:

• Sun sensitivity, where the skin is more sensitive to sunlight and burns easily, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Changes in skin texture. In some cases, slightly raised, red, and scaly patches appear.
• The appearance of freckles. Pink spots may appear, or moles may increase as a result of sun exposure.

Is hypopigmentation vitiligo

Yes, vitiligo is a form of hypopigmentation, or skin hypopigmentation. It is a medical condition in which a person loses skin color due to a deficiency in melanin production.

The term hypopigmentation encompasses a decrease in skin color in any area of ​​the body and can have a cause other than vitiligo, such as wounds or burns.

Treatment for Hypopigmentation

Treatment for hypopigmentation depends on the cause and type of hypopigmentation, such as albinism or pityriasis alba. Treatment methods include:

• Laser therapy to stimulate melanin production in areas of hypopigmentation resulting from scarring.
• Topical treatments, including topical corticosteroids such as tacrolimus to enhance melanin production.
• Ultraviolet light therapy to stimulate melanin production in depigmented patches.
• In severe cases, doctors may resort to surgical treatment, such as skin grafts or melanocyte transplantation, to restore color.

What is the best treatment for vitiligo

There is no single best treatment for vitiligo. Treatment depends on the type of vitiligo and its extent. Ultraviolet light phototherapy is an effective treatment for slowing the progression of vitiligo and restoring normal skin color.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed to treat vitiligo, especially in children, and topical calcineurin inhibitors can be used in conjunction with phototherapy.

Types of Vitiligo

There are different types of vitiligo, including:

• Segmental vitiligo, which affects a specific side of the body.
• Generalized vitiligo, which affects different areas of the body.
• Mucosal vitiligo affects the mucous membranes in the mouth or sensitive areas.

How are hypopigmentation and vitiligo diagnosed

The main difference is that vitiligo causes the appearance of completely white patches on the skin, while hypopigmentation varies in degree from light to completely white. Hypopigmentation and vitiligo are diagnosed by a dermatologist through:

• Clinical skin examination
• Medical history
• Skin biopsy
• Blood tests are ordered to rule out other conditions associated with vitiligo, such as thyroid disorders.
• A Wood's light is used to examine the affected areas.

Duration of Vitiligo

The duration of vitiligo varies from person to person and cannot be accurately predicted. Vitiligo begins as small patches and gradually spreads over months or may remain stable for years.

The rate of spread slows within six months to a year, depending on the type of vitiligo, its severity, and other factors.

Summary of the Difference Between Hypopigmentation and Vitiligo

Hypopigmentation is a general term for skin that becomes lighter than its natural color due to a lack of melanin. It can be caused by something other than vitiligo.

Vitiligo, on the other hand, is a specific type and an autoimmune disease that causes the complete loss of pigment cells and the appearance of white patches on the skin.