Are you getting white spots on your skin? Let's talk about Hypopigmentation!

Have you ever noticed that one area of ​​your skin is lighter and paler than the rest of the skin? Maybe it's a burn or an old wound that's healing. It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you see this. Today we're talking about that condition, which is medically known as hypopigmentation .

Simply put, what is hypopigmentation?

Very simple. Our skin, hair, and eyes get their color because of a chemical called 'Melanin' . This is made by a special type of cell (Melanocytes) in our skin. If for some reason these melanin-producing cells are damaged or their function decreases, the amount of melanin in that area decreases. That's when the skin in that area looks paler than the surrounding skin. This is what we call Hypopigmentation.

Why is this happening? What are the main reasons?

There can be several reasons for this. Some are very common, some are a little rare. Let's look at the main reasons.

Is there a treatment for this?

Yes, there is treatment in most cases. But the treatment depends on what caused you to develop these white spots.

• If it's due to a wound or burn: You won't need any special treatment. As the wound heals, skin cells will start producing melanin again. The white spot will disappear on its own in a few weeks or months.
• If it is due to a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, the white spots will gradually disappear once the condition is controlled with the treatment given by your doctor . Your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream or another ointment such as tacrolimus . Never use these types of medications without the advice of a doctor.
• Phototherapy: In some cases, especially for white spots caused by things like laser treatment, phototherapy using ultraviolet (UV) light can be successful.
• Permanent conditions: However, there are currently no effective treatments for genetic conditions like albinism or white spots caused by deep scars.

Are Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation two different things?

Yes, these are two opposing situations. Don't get them confused.

• Hypopigmentation: "Hypo" means 'less'. It means that the skin color becomes white due to a decrease in melanin.
• Hyperpigmentation: "Hyper" means 'more'. It means that the skin color becomes darker/blacker than the surrounding skin due to increased melanin (e.g., freckles).

What can we do at home?

There are several things you can do until you see a doctor or during treatment.

• Sunscreen: This is the most important and essential thing . Areas of skin with less melanin can be damaged very quickly when exposed to sunlight. Also, when the surrounding skin becomes sunburned and dark, the white spot will be more visible. Therefore, apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to those areas thoroughly every day.
• Cosmetics: If the appearance of this white spot bothers you, you can use a good quality makeup or skin dye to temporarily cover it.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a nutrient that helps keep skin healthy and helps produce collagen. Vitamin C-containing products can sometimes help with the healing process. But remember, sunscreen is still a must when using vitamin C-containing products.

When should we definitely see a doctor?

If you think your wound is not a normal scar, be sure to see a doctor in the following cases:

• If you have no idea why these white spots appeared .
• If these spots gradually get bigger or appear on other parts of the body .
• It is very important to seek medical advice, especially if white spots appear in the genital area, as some conditions, such as lichen sclerosus, can lead to skin cancer if left untreated.
• Most importantly: If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed because of this skin change, or if you are worried about how others see you, talk to your doctor about that as well. That is also a condition that requires treatment.

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