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Pigmentation Disturbances

Hyperpigmentation
Skin pigmentation increased beyond what is normal for that area.

 

Hypopigmentation
Skin pigmentation decreased beyond what is normal for that area.

 

Leukotrichia
Loss of hair pigment.

 
Extensive hyperpigmentation in a dog with chronic Malassezia dermatitis
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Extensive hyperpigmentation in a dog with chronic Malassezia dermatitis
 

Skin pigmentation depends primarily on the nature and amount of melanin within epidermal cells.

Pigmentation is often increased in endocrine diseases affecting the skin or as a consequence of inflammation. Inflammatory processes may conversely lead to hypopigmentation if melanocytes are damaged (eg in autoimmune diseases centred on the dermo-epidermal junction such as lupus erythematosus).

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Skin Lesions
  Introduction
  Primary Lesions
Secondary Lesions
  Erosions & Ulcers
  Epidermal Collarettes
  Scar
  Excoriation & Fissure
  Lichenification
  Pigmentation
  Conclusions
  Quiz
 
Course Map
Introduction
History
Examination
Diagnostic Plan
Skin Lesions
Diagnostic Tests
Therapy in Diagnosis
Summary
 
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