Self Help For Skin

Depigmentation is the lightening of the skin, or loss of pigment. Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (injury to the skin) or complete (caused by vitiligo). It can be temporary (from tinea versicolor) or permanent (from albinism).[1]

Most commonly, depigmentation of the skin is linked to people born with vitiligo,which produces differing areas of light and dark skin. These individuals, if they so decided to use a lightening process to even out their skin tone, could apply a topical cream containing the organic compound monobenzone to lessen the remaining pigment. The brand drug incorporating 20% monobenzone is Benoquin, made by ICN.

Increasingly, people who are not afflicted with the vitiligo experiment with lower concentrations of monobenzone creams in the hope of lightening their skin tone evenly. An alternate method of lightening is to use the chemical mequinol over an extended period of time. Both monobenzone and mequinol produce dramatic skin whitening, but react very differently. Mequinol leaves the skin looking extremely pale. However, tanning is still possible. It is important to notice that the skin will not go back to its original color after the none treatment of mequinol. Mequinol should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient in mequinol, if you are pregnant, if you have eczema, irritated or inflamed skin, an increased number of white blood cells or if you are sensitive to sunlight or must be outside for prolonged periods of time.[2] Mequinol is used in Europe in concentrations ranging from 2-20% and is approved in many countries for the treatment of solar lentigines.[3] Monobenzone applied topically completely removes pigment in the long term and vigorous sun-safety must to be adhered to for life to avoid severe sun burn and melanomas. People using monobenzone without previously having vitiligo do so because standard products containing hydroquinone or other lightening agents are not effective for their skin and due to price and active ingredient strength. However, monobenzone is not recommended for skin conditions other than vitiligo.

For stubborn pigmented lesions the Q-switched ruby laser, cryotherapy or TCA[disambiguation needed] peels can be used to ensure the skin remains pigment-free.

Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (such as after injury to the skin) or complete (such as from vitiligo). It can be temporary (such as from tinea versicolor) or permanent (such as from albinism).

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/1/2012

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Burns (First Aid)

Burns (First Aid)

Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »

In This Article

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female...learn more »

In This Article

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots,...learn more »

In This Article

Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the...

In This Article

Other Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Albinism (Inherited Lack of Skin Pigment)

Dermatitis (Inflammation of the Skin)

Infection (Commonly Fungus Called Tinea Alba or Pityriasis Versicolor)

Steroid (Corticosteroids, Either Topical or Injected)

Trauma Injury to Skin

Depigmentation is the lightening of the skin, or loss of pigment. Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (injury to the skin) or complete (caused by vitiligo). It can be temporary (from tinea versicolor) or permanent (from albinism).[1]

Most commonly, depigmentation of the skin is linked to people born with vitiligo,which produces differing areas of light and dark skin. These individuals, if they so decided to use a lightening process to even out their skin tone, could apply a topical cream containing the organic compound monobenzone to lessen the remaining pigment. The brand drug incorporating 20% monobenzone is Benoquin, made by ICN.

Increasingly, people who are not afflicted with the vitiligo experiment with lower concentrations of monobenzone creams in the hope of lightening their skin tone evenly. An alternate method of lightening is to use the chemical mequinol over an extended period of time. Both monobenzone and mequinol produce dramatic skin whitening, but react very differently. Mequinol leaves the skin looking extremely pale. However, tanning is still possible. It is important to notice that the skin will not go back to its original color after the none treatment of mequinol. Mequinol should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient in mequinol, if you are pregnant, if you have eczema, irritated or inflamed skin, an increased number of white blood cells or if you are sensitive to sunlight or must be outside for prolonged periods of time.[2] Mequinol is used in Europe in concentrations ranging from 2-20% and is approved in many countries for the treatment of solar lentigines.[3] Monobenzone applied topically completely removes pigment in the long term and vigorous sun-safety must to be adhered to for life to avoid severe sun burn and melanomas. People using monobenzone without previously having vitiligo do so because standard products containing hydroquinone or other lightening agents are not effective for their skin and due to price and active ingredient strength. However, monobenzone is not recommended for skin conditions other than vitiligo.

For stubborn pigmented lesions the Q-switched ruby laser, cryotherapy or TCA[disambiguation needed] peels can be used to ensure the skin remains pigment-free.

Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (such as after injury to the skin) or complete (such as from vitiligo). It can be temporary (such as from tinea versicolor) or permanent (such as from albinism).

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/1/2012

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Burns (First Aid)

Burns (First Aid)

Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »

In This Article

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female...learn more »

In This Article

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots,...learn more »

In This Article

Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the...

In This Article

Other Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Albinism (Inherited Lack of Skin Pigment)

Dermatitis (Inflammation of the Skin)

Infection (Commonly Fungus Called Tinea Alba or Pityriasis Versicolor)

Steroid (Corticosteroids, Either Topical or Injected)

Trauma Injury to Skin

Depigmentation is the lightening of the skin, or loss of pigment. Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (injury to the skin) or complete (caused by vitiligo). It can be temporary (from tinea versicolor) or permanent (from albinism).[1]

Most commonly, depigmentation of the skin is linked to people born with vitiligo,which produces differing areas of light and dark skin. These individuals, if they so decided to use a lightening process to even out their skin tone, could apply a topical cream containing the organic compound monobenzone to lessen the remaining pigment. The brand drug incorporating 20% monobenzone is Benoquin, made by ICN.

Increasingly, people who are not afflicted with the vitiligo experiment with lower concentrations of monobenzone creams in the hope of lightening their skin tone evenly. An alternate method of lightening is to use the chemical mequinol over an extended period of time. Both monobenzone and mequinol produce dramatic skin whitening, but react very differently. Mequinol leaves the skin looking extremely pale. However, tanning is still possible. It is important to notice that the skin will not go back to its original color after the none treatment of mequinol. Mequinol should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient in mequinol, if you are pregnant, if you have eczema, irritated or inflamed skin, an increased number of white blood cells or if you are sensitive to sunlight or must be outside for prolonged periods of time.[2] Mequinol is used in Europe in concentrations ranging from 2-20% and is approved in many countries for the treatment of solar lentigines.[3] Monobenzone applied topically completely removes pigment in the long term and vigorous sun-safety must to be adhered to for life to avoid severe sun burn and melanomas. People using monobenzone without previously having vitiligo do so because standard products containing hydroquinone or other lightening agents are not effective for their skin and due to price and active ingredient strength. However, monobenzone is not recommended for skin conditions other than vitiligo.

For stubborn pigmented lesions the Q-switched ruby laser, cryotherapy or TCA[disambiguation needed] peels can be used to ensure the skin remains pigment-free.

Depigmentation of the skin can be caused by a number of local and systemic conditions. The pigment loss can be partial (such as after injury to the skin) or complete (such as from vitiligo). It can be temporary (such as from tinea versicolor) or permanent (such as from albinism).

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 3/1/2012

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.

Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Burns (First Aid)

Burns (First Aid)

Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »

In This Article

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female...learn more »

In This Article

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots,...learn more »

In This Article

Vitiligo

Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin turns white due to the loss of pigment from the melanocytes, cells that produce the...

In This Article

Other Causes of Depigmentation of Skin

Albinism (Inherited Lack of Skin Pigment)

Dermatitis (Inflammation of the Skin)

Infection (Commonly Fungus Called Tinea Alba or Pityriasis Versicolor)

Steroid (Corticosteroids, Either Topical or Injected)

Trauma Injury to Skin