If you have light patches and spots on your skin, you could have a condition called depigmentation. Depigmentation is a condition emanating from pigment loss. It occurs when your skin cells fail to produce melanin—a pigment responsible for giving your skin its color. For some reason, the cells that produce melanin "melanocytes" can get destroyed, and hence no melanin is formed. Without melanin, white or light patches appear on your skin. Subsequently, depigmentation can make you feel self-conscious, resulting in low self-esteem and self-worth. Luckily, there are various treatments for depigmentation in the market to reduce or contain depigmentation.

Signs/Symptoms of Depigmentation

Primary signs of depigmentation include:

• lightened or white skin that manifests in spots or patches—more so, on the face
• hair that becomes gray or white prematurely, including beards, eyelashes, and eyebrows
• lightening coloration of the tissues within your mouth and nose
• altered color of the retina in the eyes

Other symptoms of depigmentation can vary from person to person. In short, you may have no signs associated with this skin disorder and feel fine. Or you can experience the following:

• pain
• itching
• stress/depression
• low self-esteem

Depigmentation can appear in several forms:

• Generalized. Depigmentation is symmetrical both on your face and body. Indeed, this is the most prevalent type of condition.
• Focal. Where you have only a few spots in isolated areas of the face or body.
• Segmental. Typically, this form of depigmentation occurs only on one side of the face or body.

Having depigmentation may also increase the chances of you contracting an autoimmune condition.

What Causes Depigmentation?

There are various skin depigmentation causes including;

• Albinism: the inherent lack of skin pigment characterized by this condition
• Dermatitis: caused by the inflammation of the skin
• Infection
• Injury to the skin
• Genetics and family history
• Autoimmune diseases like autoimmune thyroid disease increase your probability of getting the condition

Who is likely to get depigmentation?

Anyone, regardless of their race and gender, can get depigmentation. Research shows that around two to five million Americans have the condition. However, the condition is more visible for people with a darker complexion. Vitiligo, a form of depigmentation, is prominent in people aged between 10 and 30. Depigmentation can stay in one spot on your skin or spread to cover other parts of your skin. Depigmentation affects the face, hands, legs, areas exposed to the sun, around moles, and near body openings.

Skin Depigmentation Treatment Options

You may be wondering, "can depigmentation be treated?" Yes, it is treatable, and your skin pigment restored. There are numerous depigmentation treatments that can re-pigment the skin or manage the condition. Depigmentation is more treatable when it's on the face as compared to other body parts. Here are some common depigmentation treatments.

1. De-pigmentation PRO treatment

This advanced treatment aims to eliminate and reduce dark spots on your skin that emanate from the melanin. It also unifies the skin tone and boosts skin luminosity. De-pigmentation PRO treatment gives long-lasting results by combining in clinic mask application with a home maintenance skincare regime.

2. Makeup

You can use makeup to blend your depigmented facial area with the rest of your complexion. Nevertheless, you have to apply makeup every day for this camouflage method to be effective.

3. Tattooing

Do not confuse this method with a traditional tattoo that covers the affected area. This method uses a process referred to as micro-pigmentation to add pigment to the depigmented skin. Tattooing is an effective treatment for depigmented lips.

5. Medications

Meds such as corticosteroid, calcineurin inhibitors, and immunomodulators can help to reverse the effects of depigmentation. Nevertheless, before you use any drugs, ensure you consult with your doctor to determine the right ones for you.

7. Skin graft

This treatment method entails taking pigmented skin from another part of the body and placing it in the depigmented area. Undoubtedly, going through the experience of depigmentation can be emotionally challenging. More so, when the condition affects visible parts of your skin like the face, hands, and legs. Fortunately, there are many ways of treating and managing the condition. Book a De-pigmentation Pro Treatment with your local Brazilian Beauty Clinic today.