Definitions for "Hypopigmentation"
Decreased amounts of melanin pigment in the skin producing light colored or white areas. Inflammation in the skin can also produce hypopigmentation.
Having a lower than normal level of melanin pigment. Hypopigmented individuals generally have blond or red hair, blue or gray eyes and very fair or fair complexions. See text, Chapter 4. See also, "melanin."
P,S May occur as a post-inflammatory event, or may be idiopathic (vitiligo). Lichenification The thickening of the epidermis with accentuation of normal skin folds and markings. It is often accompanied by hyperpigmentation. It is a response to chronic trauma or inflammation. Macules and Patches These are characterized by discoloration of the skin. Macules are focal, well circumscribed, and less than 1 cm; patches are less well circumscribed, and are larger. Color changes can be due to any number of causes, including erythema, hemorrhage, or pigment changes. Erythema is often secondary to inflammation; hemorrhage may be due to clotting defects or trauma. A quick way to distinguish is to apply pressure...if there is blanching, it is erythema, if no blanching, there is likely hemorrhage into the skin. Changes in pigment may be due to increases or decrease in normal pigmentation.