Abstract
Loss of pigment, either partial (hypopigmentation) or complete (depigmentation), can have a profound psychological impact, perhaps seemingly out of proportion for something that is almost exclusively benign.1 Remarkably, hypopigmentation has been referenced in many ancient religious texts, often in the context of being a curse or contagious disease, firmly securing this cutaneous malady at the very deepest level of culture.2 A compelling illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament when Miriam speaks against Moses and is punished thusly: "... suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow."3 It is difficult to imagine a more wicked association for a skin disease than such an execration. Although the vast majority of hypopigmentation encountered in the modern world is neither contagious nor dangerous, fear, anxiety and uncertainty continue to surround this problem for patient and physician alike. An exhaustive list of causes of hypopigmentation and depigmentation would contain many rare and obscure entities, but in this review the focus will be limited to three of the most common causes of acquired loss of pigment in children.4 By closely examining pityriasis alba, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and vitiligo, some of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty may be dispelled and, even if they cannot be cured, simple understanding may provide some relief.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 98-102 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice Edition |
| Volume | 93 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jun 1 2008 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
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Little white spots : An approach to hypopigmented macules. / Lio, P. A.
In: Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice Edition, Vol. 93, No. 3, 01.06.2008, p. 98-102.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Little white spots
T2 - An approach to hypopigmented macules
AU - Lio, P. A.
PY - 2008/6/1
Y1 - 2008/6/1
N2 - Loss of pigment, either partial (hypopigmentation) or complete (depigmentation), can have a profound psychological impact, perhaps seemingly out of proportion for something that is almost exclusively benign.1 Remarkably, hypopigmentation has been referenced in many ancient religious texts, often in the context of being a curse or contagious disease, firmly securing this cutaneous malady at the very deepest level of culture.2 A compelling illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament when Miriam speaks against Moses and is punished thusly: "... suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow."3 It is difficult to imagine a more wicked association for a skin disease than such an execration. Although the vast majority of hypopigmentation encountered in the modern world is neither contagious nor dangerous, fear, anxiety and uncertainty continue to surround this problem for patient and physician alike. An exhaustive list of causes of hypopigmentation and depigmentation would contain many rare and obscure entities, but in this review the focus will be limited to three of the most common causes of acquired loss of pigment in children.4 By closely examining pityriasis alba, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and vitiligo, some of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty may be dispelled and, even if they cannot be cured, simple understanding may provide some relief.
AB - Loss of pigment, either partial (hypopigmentation) or complete (depigmentation), can have a profound psychological impact, perhaps seemingly out of proportion for something that is almost exclusively benign.1 Remarkably, hypopigmentation has been referenced in many ancient religious texts, often in the context of being a curse or contagious disease, firmly securing this cutaneous malady at the very deepest level of culture.2 A compelling illustration of this occurs in the Old Testament when Miriam speaks against Moses and is punished thusly: "... suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow."3 It is difficult to imagine a more wicked association for a skin disease than such an execration. Although the vast majority of hypopigmentation encountered in the modern world is neither contagious nor dangerous, fear, anxiety and uncertainty continue to surround this problem for patient and physician alike. An exhaustive list of causes of hypopigmentation and depigmentation would contain many rare and obscure entities, but in this review the focus will be limited to three of the most common causes of acquired loss of pigment in children.4 By closely examining pityriasis alba, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and vitiligo, some of the fear, anxiety and uncertainty may be dispelled and, even if they cannot be cured, simple understanding may provide some relief.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=46449096142&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=46449096142&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1136/adc.2007.135194
DO - 10.1136/adc.2007.135194
M3 - Review article
C2 - 18495902
AN - SCOPUS:46449096142
VL - 93
SP - 98
EP - 102
JO - Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice Edition
JF - Archives of Disease in Childhood: Education and Practice Edition
SN - 1743-0585
IS - 3
ER -