A 21-year-old member asked:
What exactly causes a skin pigmentation disorder?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Chakshu Guptaanswered
Pathology 25 years experience
Various: Skin pigmentation can be affected by heriditary disorders, drugs, infections, inflammation, sun exposure, skin cancers, immune diseases or even tumors of internal organs. You are probably referring to vitiligo, which is essentially a auto-immune condition or to albinism, which is genetic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Jacksonanswered
Dermatology 45 years experience
It depends: Most of the time the immune system is involved the skin is inflammed and the skin lightens or darkens depending on the disorder.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 22-year-old member asked:
Can lupus cause a skin pigmentation disorder?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Karen Hananswered
Dermatology 25 years experience
Sometimes...: We generally talk about lupus in 2 categories: systemic and cutaneous (localized in skin). A subtype of cutaneous lupus called discoid lupus can cause dyspigmentation and scars in the areas of involvement. Unfortunately, when chronic, the dyspigmentation becomes more or less permanent. Systemic lupus can be associated with other autoimmune disorders such as vitiligo (depigmentation disorder).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 16, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.