Abstract
It is easy to identify a localized hypopigmented area in a dark-skinned individual. It can however be a difficult task to identify a widespread hypopigmentation in a fair skin individual. The extent of the reduction in pigmentation can be evaluated comparatively with the surrounding healthy skin if it is a localized hypopigmentation, whereas when the whole integument is involved, evaluation is done by comparing with the parents’ skin color. In some cases, when the lesions are widespread, it can be difficult to determine whether it is primary a disorder of hyper- or of hypopigmentation. Hence history taking, the effect of tanning, and the inspection of naturally less pigmented areas such as inner arms and buttocks can be helpful. In other areas, lesions may instead be very subtle. Wood’s lamp examination may then assist the identification of leukodermas that are due to reduced epidermal melanin content, by enhancing the contrast with normally pigmented skin.
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© 2013 Springer-Verlag France
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Lipsker, D. (2013). Hypopigmented or Leukodermic Lesions. In: Clinical Examination and Differential Diagnosis of Skin Lesions. Springer, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0411-8_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-8178-0411-8_16
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Publisher Name: Springer, Paris
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Online ISBN: 978-2-8178-0411-8
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