WHAT IS HYPOPIGMENTATION?

Hypopigmentation is the absence of normal amounts of melanin (the chemical that gives skin its colour) caused by disease, injury, burns or other trauma to the skin. Hypopigmentation can be difficult to treat. There are topical medications that sometimes assist, and light-based procedures like IPL Skin Rejuvenation and Fractional laser can also be used.

Melanin is the substance that gives skin its colour, or pigment. When the skin cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) reduce their production, the resulting condition is known as hypopigmentation (loss of skin colour).  Hypopigmentation is also known as skin depigmentation.

HYPOPIGMENTATION CAUSES

The most usual cause of hypopigmentation is damage or trauma to the skin. Burns, infections, pimples, blisters, scrapes, and any injuries that result in scarring can all lead to skin discoloration.

POST INFLAMMATORY HYPOPIGMENTATION

Where hypopigmentation is the outcome of skin inflammation or damage, the condition may be referred to as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation( PIH).

This may be confusing as PIH is also refesr to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a skin condition where pigmentation is increased, not decreased.

HYPOPIGMENTATION TREATMENT

Hypopigmentation treatment options are limited. Treating post-inflammatory hypopigmentation may involve the use of topical corticosteroids or tars (topical cream), light or laser treatment, or surgical skin grafting.

The numerous lasers and other light-based treatments available today are often perceived as a cosmetic cure-alls, IPL and Fractional laser are the light-based procedures that have been suggested by the doctors for hypopigmentation treatment.

Topical medications, such as hydroquinone and other skin lightening agents, like Skin Medica lightening serums may be used to bleach skin not affected by hypopigmentation so that it can blend in better with hypopigmented skin.

Duquessa is a skin, laser and anti aging clinic servicing both regional Victoria and NSW, and multiple Melbourne clinics. For all information please call 03 9388 9500 or email info@duquessa.com.au