Pigmentation disorders
Pigmentation Disorders
Pigmentation disorders are medical conditions that cause changes in the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. These changes can be caused by an overproduction, underproduction, or uneven distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color.
Pronunciation
Pigmentation: /ˌpɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/ Disorders: /dɪsˈɔːrdərz/
Etymology
The term "pigmentation" comes from the Latin word "pigmentum," which means "paint." The term "disorder" comes from the Old French "desordre," which means "lack of order."
Types of Pigmentation Disorders
There are several types of pigmentation disorders, including:
- Albinism: A genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, resulting in white skin and hair, and pink eyes.
- Vitiligo: A condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
- Melasma: A condition that causes dark, discolored patches on the skin, often as a result of hormonal changes.
- Hyperpigmentation: A condition characterized by dark patches on the skin, often caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries.
- Hypopigmentation: A condition characterized by lighter patches of skin, often caused by a lack of melanin or damaged melanocytes.
Related Terms
- Melanin: The pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
- Melanocytes: Cells that produce melanin.
- Dermatology: The branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases.
- Genetics: The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pigmentation disorders
- Wikipedia's article - Pigmentation disorders
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