Hypopigmentation
Pronunciation: hy-poh-pig-men-TAY-shun
Reduction in skin pigmentation below the individual's baseline, resulting from decreased melanin production or loss of melanocytes. Editorially distinct from depigmentation, which implies total melanin loss.
Full Definition
Hypopigmentation refers to patches or areas of skin that are lighter than the surrounding normal skin due to decreased melanin synthesis or reduced melanocyte activity, but with melanocytes still present. It is seen in conditions such as post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, pityriasis alba, and tinea versicolor. Editors must carefully distinguish hypopigmentation (partial reduction in pigment) from depigmentation (complete absence of pigment, as in vitiligo), as the terms have distinct clinical and therapeutic implications. The prefix 'hypo-' should not be confused with 'hyper-' in proofreading; the two are common transcription errors in dermatology manuscripts.
Usage
Usage note: Do not conflate with depigmentation. Hypo- vs. hyper- transposition is a frequent proofreading error in dermatology reports.
In Context
- "Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation was noted at the site of the previous psoriatic plaque." — Dermatology follow-up letter
- "Pityriasis versicolor commonly causes hypopigmentation rather than complete depigmentation on darker skin tones." — Medical education review article