What are the main types of skin hypopigmentation?

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There are three main types of skin hypopigmentation: vitiligo, postinflammatory hypopigmentation, and albinism. Novitil is recommended in cases of both Vitiligo and Postinflammatory hypopigmentation.

Vitiligo is characterized by depigmented areas, usually sharply demarcated and often symmetric, caused by a lack of melanocytes. Depigmentation may involve one or two spots or may cover most of the skin surface. Hair in vitiliginous areas is usually white. Skin lesions are accentuated under Wood's light. 

Postinflammatory hypopigmentation follows healing of certain inflammatory disorders (ex. dermatitis), burns, and skin infections. It is related to scars and atrophic skin. Skin pigmentation is reduced, but it may not be milk-white as in vitiligo. Spontaneous repigmentation may some times occur. 

Albinism is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder in which melanocytes are present but do not form melanin. There are various forms. In tyrosinase-negative albinism, the hair is white, the skin pale, and the eyes pink; nystagmus and errors of refraction are common. They should avoid sunlight, use sunglasses, and during daylight hours use a sunscreen with an SPF of >= 15. 

Apart from these three main types of hypopigmentation, a common skin condition that usually causes skin depigmentation is known as Pityriasis (versicolor/alba), click here to learn more.

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