Pigmentation Disorders. Etiology and Recent Advances in Treatments

1. Introductory Chapter: Quality of Life in the Patients with Melasma
By Shahin Aghaei and Ali Moradi

2. Melasma: A Review about Pathophysiology and Treatment
By Marisa Gonzaga da Cunha and Ana Paula da Silva Urzedo

3. Vitiligo: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment
By Emine Müge Acar

4. Psychological Impact of Vitiligo
By Nayra Merino, Mónica Fumero, Maria Eugenia Gaviño and Marta García-Bustinduy

5. Skin Depigmenting Agents: Where Do We Stand?
By Behrooz Kasraee

6. Drug-Induced Pigmentation
By Ivan Arni C. Preclaro

7. Skin Pigmentation and Cosmetic Considerations for Even Skin Tone
By Anita Damodaran and Nirmala Nair

8. Pigmentary Disorders in Black Skin from Pathophysiology to Treatment
By Fatimata Ly

9. Role of Melanin Pigment in Retina and Inner Ear
By Donnell J. Creel

Skin pigmentation disorder is one of the common skin diseases. In general, skin gets its color from melanin pigment, which is produced by melanocytes in the skin. When these cells are damaged, they can negatively affect melanin production. Pigmentation disorders in the skin are classified as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation appears due to increased melanin in the skin. Typical hyperpigmentation disorders include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, freckles, and café au lait macules. These conditions are generally benign but can be distressing to patients. Addison’s disease and some other endocrine disorders may cause diffuse hyperpigmentation. Hypopigmentation is caused by a decrease in melanin production in the skin. Examples of hypopigmentation include vitiligo, albinism, fungal infections, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, for example after burns or psoriasis. The nine chapters in this book discuss the latest clinical and therapeutic findings on the most common skin pigmentation disorders and their effect on patients’ quality of life.