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likely not become malignant. However, untreated
growths will change in color, size and shape
and, over time, will become malignant. If the
lesion develops into a melanoma, a wide, deep
incision must be made, and it may be necessary
to perform skin grafts and lymph node
dissections. If a client has lesions that look
suspicious, send him or her to a physician
immediately. This can potentially save a life.
As a skin care professional, you should never
attempt to "treat" any growth of the skin. It is
always best to err on the side of caution.
Pigmentation Disorders
Pigmentation disorders are a result of abnormal
pigmentation referred to as dyschronia. An
excess production of melanin results in darker
patches, and is called hyperpigmentation. A lack
of pigmentation, or melanin production results in
light or white patches, called hypopigmentation.
Albinism (AL-bin-izm) (oculocutaneous) is a
group of inherited conditions that results in
the failure of the skin to produce melanin.
Persons with albinism have pale skin, white-
blonde hair and blue eyes. They have a strong
hypersensitivity to light and sun, and their skin
ages faster than the average person. Albino skin
must constantly be protected from exposure to
sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
Leukoderma (loo-ko-DUR-mah) is a congenital
disorder that occurs when the skin lacks
pigmentation (hypopigmentation) due to a
decrease in melanocyte activity. Leukoderma is
occasionally the result of a congenital defect such
as albinism, which is characterized by an
absence of pigmentation. However, leukoderma
can cause partial or total loss of skin
pigmentation, often in patches, spots or bands. It
is also possible to acquire hypopigmentation, as
in vitiligo.
Vitiligo (VIT-i-LEYE-goh) is an acquired skin
disease characterized by white patches that are
caused by a loss of pigment in a number of
melanin cells. These white patches appear on
the exposed areas of the body, face, hands and
neck in various irregular shapes. These
unpigmented areas are often surrounded by a
heavily pigmented border, and the hair in the
patches is usually white. Some medical experts
feel this is an inherited autoimmune disorder in
which the body destroys its own pigment cells.
The condition can occur from childhood through
adulthood and can worsen and spread in the
affected areas. Treatment for this condition is
limited; however some success has been found
with phototherapy. Topical steroids can also be
used to slow down the inflammatory immune
process and stimulate melanin production.
Always refer suspicious lesions to a physician,
since it is not the esthetician's role to
diagnose or treat malignant lesions. Two
examples of malignant growths are squamous
cell carcinoma and melanoma.
Leukoderma
Vitiligo
