SKIN COLOR, CHANGE IN, ON A SMALL PATCH OF SKIN
Description and Possible Medical Problems
The fickle dictates of fashion tell us sometimes that it’s in to be tan, while at other times it’s better to be pale. In response, many people learn to manipulate the color of their skin with natural or artificial light and with tanning gels and lotions.
However, if the color of your skin disappears, it could be a loss of melanin or skin pigment known as vetiligo, a condition in which the melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells of your skin—lose their ability to produce pigment. The condition usually starts as a small patch and gradually grows larger. In recent years, it’s come to be known as the Michael Jackson disease.
In addition to losing the color in the skin, some people with this condition also lose the color in their hair. They may begin to lose some of their hair, as well.
Treatment
While the depigmentation of your skin is not a health problem, it can be unaesthetic. Unfortunately, there is no satisfactory treatment for the condition, but many people use cosmetics and cover-up creams to make it less noticeable.
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