Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
06:08
Quantification of Hypopigmentation Activity In Vitro
Published on: March 6, 2019
Approach to hypopigmentation disorders in adults
1National Skin Centre, Singapore City, Singapore. teyhongliang111@yahoo.com
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|May 12, 2010
Summary
Acquired hypopigmentation disorders in adults are categorized by lesion extent. Diagnosis is crucial for identifying treatable causes and potential malignancies, guiding effective patient management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pigmentary Disorders
Background:
- Acquired hypopigmentation disorders present with varying lesion extents: localized, widespread, or generalized.
- Clinical assessment involves evaluating pigment loss (hypopigmentation, depigmentation) and morphological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for diagnosing acquired hypopigmentation disorders in adults.
- To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis for identifying treatable underlying causes and associated malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Classification based on lesion extent (localized, widespread, generalized).
- Detailed clinical examination focusing on pigment loss and epidermal/morphological changes.
- Systemic diagnostic approach due to heterogeneous and often non-diagnostic investigations.
Main Results:
- Hypopigmentation disorders can be systematically classified and distinguished using clinical findings.
- Early diagnosis facilitates timely treatment of underlying conditions and management of associated risks.
- A comprehensive approach is necessary given the diverse etiology and challenges in diagnostic investigations.
Conclusions:
- A structured diagnostic strategy is essential for managing acquired hypopigmentation in adults.
- Recognizing the spectrum of pigmentary disorders aids in patient care and prognosis.
- Timely diagnosis can reveal treatable conditions and mitigate risks associated with certain hypopigmentation disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...