Types of alopecia

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what are the types of alopecia?
Alopecia is loss of hair from the head and body. Alopecia can be broadly grouped into familial (genetic) type or acquired type.

Androgenetic Alopecia and its subgroups come under genetic types. The androgenetic hair loss tend to run in families. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, appear to have genetic predisposition in some cases.

Acquired baldness encompasses all other types of hair loss. Acquired alopecia is further categorized with respect to the causative factors and the extent of affliction. The triggering factors include certain medical conditions, diseases, febrile illness, psychological disorders, chemicals, cancer chemotherapy, parturition and habits. Certain types of alopecia disappear on their own whereas some types have no cure. Identifying the type of hair loss is essential for an effective treatment.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of androgen induced hair loss disorder affecting genetically predisposed men and women. The genetic predisposition and the presence of increased androgen gradually convert terminal hair into short, fine, light-colored, and barely noticeable vellus hair. Androgenic hormones have different effect on follicles at different areas of the body.

Hair loss

Androgens stimulate growth of terminal hair on the face, armpits and pubic area on reaching puberty. The same type of androgens lead to catagenic miniaturization and dormancy of follicles on the scalp and temples. Early androgenic alopecia is associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Male pattern hair loss

Androgenic loss of hair in men begins above the temples, frontal hairline and vertex. With advancing age a rim of hair at the sides and rear of the head remains. In some rare cases it can progress into total loss of hair. Though loss of hair may cause psychological stress due to its effect on appearance, men are able to cope and retain integrity of personality. In Hamilton–Norwood scale of classification of hair loss in men, the progression is graded from type I to VII.

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Dr. James Hamilton introduced the measurement scale in 1951 and it was later revised and updated by Dr O'Tar Norwood in the 1975. Hamilton-Norwood scale is frequently used for clinically assessing the severity of androgenetic alopecia in men.

Female pattern hair loss

Female pattern hair loss is becoming more common and the prevalence increases with advancing age. In female pattern there is thinning of hair all over the head. However unlike the male pattern, the frontal hairline does not recede. Further, in female pattern very rarely there is total loss of hair. Female pattern is considered androgenetic type if there is androgen increase. Affected women suffer psychological distress and their social life is impaired. In Ludwig's classification of hair loss in women, the progression is graded as minimal (type I), moderate (type II), and severe (type III).

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata typically appears as small round patches of hair loss with underlying smooth unscarred skin. It is a non contagious disorder believed to be caused by autoimmunity. The body's immune system attacks its own anagen hair follicles, suppressing or stopping hair growth in the affected area of skin. This type of loss of hair can appear on scalp, beard or any other hair bearing part of the body. In many cases the hair grows back after a few months or years. In some rare cases hair loss may progress to cause total loss of hair on the head or total loss of hair all over the body including head.

Alopecia totalis

Alopecia areata totalis (AAT) is a rare severe hair loss. In this type there is total loss of hair on the head. Autoimmunity is considered to be the cause of this disorder. In many cases the hair regrows. Methotrexate, an antimetabolite and antifolate drug used for some autoimmune diseases and cancer may suppress the disorder.

Alopecia universalis

Alopecia areata universalis (AAU) is also a rare and severe hair loss. In this type hair fall is rapid and there is total hair loss from the body including head, eyelashes and eyebrows. The condition may appear at any age and in both the genders. The condition may resolve fast and the hair may start regrowing. In some individuals the regrowth may start after several years and in some it may not regrow at all. AAU is believed to be a autoimmune disorder.

Alopecia barbae

This is a condition affecting only men wherein alopecia areata is restricted to the beard. This is again an autoimmune condition wherein the body's immune mechanism mistakenly destroys or suppresses the hair follicles.

Alopecia mucinosa

Alopecia mucinosa (follicular mucinosis) is rare skin disorder with characteristic hairless scaly pink, flat patches without hair on the scalp and face. When observed under microscope, mucin is seen deposited around hair follicles. The exact cause of alopecia mucinosa is not known and cell mediated immunity may be the causative factor.

Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium is loss of hair under growth phase.

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Primarily This type of alopecia is caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In most of the individuals the hair grows after the cessation of the therapy.

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is the loss of hair during the telogen phase (hair follicle resting phase). Usually emotional or physical stress is the cause of this type of alopecia. prolonged febrile illness, childbirth, major surgery, chemicals and drugs can be the causative factors.

Scarring Alopecia

Cicatricial alopecia (aka scarring alopecia) is a group of hair loss conditions wherein the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced by scar tissue. The scar may be apparent or invisible and deeper inside the skin. The hair loss is permanent. This type of alopecia can affect both men and women. The causes are inflammatory diseases affecting the hair follicles where the stem cells and sebaceous glands are located. With the destruction of stem cells and sebaceous glands there is no regeneration of follicles. Hair follicle destructive inflammatory process and external injuries such as severe scalp infections, burns, radiation, tumors, and traction are some of the causative factors.

Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia is a type of alopecia caused by application of pulling force. Wearing tight pigtails, ponytail or braids causes the hairline to recede due to constant hair pulling. Extended use of hairpiece, wig, headgear or tightly fitting safety helmet may also cause this type of alopecia.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is hair pulling disorder. The affected individuals have a compulsive urge to pull out their own hair. In this type of alopecia patches of hair loss occur. It is a psychological disorder and may get triggered by stress and depression. Affected individuals have tendency to keep pulling hair from head, eyelashes, eyebrows, nose and hands. Most of the patients with trichotillomania do not realize that they are pulling their hair. If the disorder is present in childhood, the child may outgrow the habit. If this type of habit persists a psychiatrist may be consulted for behavioral evaluation and treatment.

Pressure alopecia

Pressure alopecia is often seen in infants and bedridden patients. Lying in the same position and constant pressure on the rear of the head causes alopecia.

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Imagesource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alopecia.jpg Author: Welshsk | License: CC BY 3.0

Reference: 1.Camacho-Martínez FM. Hair loss in women. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009 Mar;28(1):19-32. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2009.01.001. 2.Banka N, Bunagan MJ, Shapiro J. Pattern hair loss in men: diagnosis and medical treatment. Dermatol Clin. 2013 Jan;31(1):129-40. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2012.08.003. Epub 2012 Sep 21. 3.Sinclair R, Patel M, Dawson TL Jr, Yazdabadi A, Yip L, Perez A, Rufaut NW. Hair loss in women: medical and cosmetic approaches to increase scalp hair fullness. Br J Dermatol. 2011 Dec;165 Suppl 3:12-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10630.

Current topic on natural skin care: Different types of alopecia.

Acne scarring - Types of acne scars

Home > Acne scars types

There are two different types of acne scars brought about by the tissue repair mechanism based on the level of tissue damage and inflammation.

Hypertrophic types of scars are characterized by raised thickened tissue with net increase in tissue formation on the skin. Atrophic types of scars are depressed areas of skin with loss of tissue.

Skin discoloration macules are formed When the acne is mild. If it is treated in the early formative stage it may leave behind reddish blemish, which may change in color to dark brown and then to whitish. This post inflammatory pigmentation blemish fades over time and may completely disappear in most of the cases. However if the zit is severe, if there is delay in starting of treatment or if the pimple is pinched or squeezed to repair the damage to tissue collagen bands may get formed causing scars, which may persist for years.

Hypertrophic types of acne scars

This cutaneous condition is characterized by increased tissue formation and raise in level. It is due to over production of collagen and its excess deposits during the healing process. Usually these types of blemishes confine to boundaries of the wounds and appear as bumps. These blemishes are usually found on the chest and back. This characteristic differentiates the normal hypertropic scars from keloids.

Keloid scars are formed in cases of severe pustules and are found to run in families. People of African origin have been found to be predisposed for developing keloids. Keloids can expand beyond the original pustule area and keep growing. Histologically, they are fibrotic benign tumors with excessive deposition of collagen, proteoglycans, fibronectin and elastin. Treating keloids is a challenge and when surgically removed, there is 50% chances of fresh keloid forming at surgery site.

Atropic types of scars

Atropic blemishes are more common and are as the result of loss of tissue during healing. Depending upon the appearance, they are further categorized into ice pick, boxcar and rolling types.

Ice-pick acne scars

As the name denotes, they look like ice-pick wounds. Usually they are small in diameter and are deep and narrow, having steep sides. Depending upon the severity of acne, they may extend into dermis. They are usually formed on cheeks.

Acne scars types

Boxcar scars

These boxcar acne scars are very similar to those of chickenpox. They are found usually on the cheeks and forehead. They appear like deep pits with vertical sides. Wider than ice-pick scars, they are oval or round depressions. Depending upon the amount of tissue lost and collagen deposited, they may be superficial or cause severe depression.

Rolling acne scars

These acne scars give the skin a wavy appearance with undulation. They usually involve interlinking many closely formed pustules. As the pustule heals, in some instances, fibrous collagen bands form between the cutaneous tissue and the underlying subcutaneous tissue. These bands pull the epidermal layer towards the subcutaneous tissue which results in the undulating appearance of skin.

Types of treatments

There are various types of treatments available for these scars depending upon the skin and acne condition. Very effective treatments are chemical peel, dermabrasion, augmentation, subcision, filler injections, laser resurfacing, cryotherapy and surgery.

To avoid all these types of acne scars from occurring it is advised to consult and take guidance from dermatologist for treatment at the earliest stage.

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Current topic in dynamic skin care: Acne scars types.

Skin types - Different types of face skin

Home > Different face skin types

There are five basic different face skin types seen in the general population. For proper skin care and beauty enhancement you have to know and identify these different types to make right decisions.

Use of wrong skin care products in fact can be disastrous to your face skin.

Factors contributing to different face skin types

Different seasonal weather conditions and atmospheric and environmental factors have effect on your skin. The hormones produced by your body and the genetic and hereditary factors can have a lasting effect on the skin. Mental and physical stress, emotions, your food habits, general health conditions and aging can contribute to your having any particular condition.

The types of different beauty products and topical applications so far used have a direct bearing on your epidermis. There may be a constant state of fluctuation of the types and the situation may change from one to an entirely different one even in a weeks time. Hence periodic testing for your face condition is necessary.

Different face skin types

There are basically five different conditions. They are,

• normal,
• oily,
• dry,
• combination and 
• sensitive.

Normal face skin

This is an ideal condition, least common and a very small percentage of people have it. The truth is that such people will be having an excellent state of overall health. Normal skin is smooth to touch and is not oily, shiny or dry. It has even tone and complexion and appears healthy with fewer blemishes. This type has small pores and balanced levels of natural oils and moisture. It is firm and elastic showing few wrinkles. Taking care of such dermis is easy and requires only some protective applications. Overdoing any cosmetic procedures may in fact ruin and change this condition.

Oily condition

The skin of the person with this condition, especially on the face, appears shiny and oily and has enlarged pores.

Oily face skin type
Over production by sebaceous gland

The individual with this condition is very much prone to acne, blackheads and whiteheads. Oily condition is more common in teenagers and young adults in twenties. Due to hormonal inducement, sebaceous glands secrete excess sebum in this age group. Though the whole face gets oily, the "T" area of the face, namely neck, chest and back are more affected.

Dry condition

Skin in this condition is chronically dehydrated. It appears dry, flaky and parched with small pores. It is tight, dull and leathery in appearance and sometimes wrinkles begin to appear. Loss of moisture and natural oils leads to this condition. Excessive exposure to sun or cold winds, aging, nutritional deficiencies, recurrent infections and inappropriate use of cosmetics can cause or aggravate this problem. Different dry dermal care efforts are necessary to get relief. Elderly people quite often suffer from this condition.

Mixed or combination types

Many people have this condition with mixture of normal, dry and oily skin. Forehead, nose and chin area of the face is known as "T" zone. This area appears oily with enlarged pores. Cheeks, sides of the forehead and neck may progressively be normal or dry. In beauty care and treatment different types of products have to be used in this condition. Dry areas may require moisturizer whereas oily areas may require products like cleanser to remove excess oil.

Sensitive skin types

In this condition dermis is usually thin and fine textured. Rashes and redness may appear as allergic reactions to cosmetics, sun and cold exposure. These mild to severe reactions may leave it sore and dry. In order to protect this condition of face it is advised to wear sunscreen when going out. Beauty care products which do not have harsh chemicals and have only natural substances are best suitable.

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10. Urticaria.

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Current topic: Different facial skin types.

Types of urticaria (hives) - Types of physical urticaria

Home > Types of urticaria - Types of physical urticaria

Classification of urticaria types into acute and chronic are accepted worldwide. Arbitrarily, the urticaria lasting less than six weeks is called acute type whereas the one lasting longer than six weeks is considered chronic.

Further, if psychosomatic and physical influences trigger this condition it is called physical urticaria. The conditions are called idiopathic when the causes are not known. Nearly 50% of the occurrences are caused by unknown factors.

Physical urticaria

    These types are very distinct and are induced by exogenous physical stimulus. The source of stimulus can be thermal, mechanical and cholinergic. Ten percent of chronic urticaria are physical urticaria. Considering the types of stimuli, these typs are categorized into sub-groups like dermatographism, delayed-pressure, cholinergic, cold, solar, heat, aquagenic and vibratory urticaria.

    Dermatographism is very common and induced by scratching or firmly stroking the skin. The swollen skin spots may appear immediately and resolve in about 30 minutes. In a normal healthy person though scratching may produce linear reddening without itching, in dermographism, itchy swelling develops. If the skin swelling persists or causes discomfort, taking antihistamines may resolve them.

    Cholinergic or stress type is widespread  and is caused due to rise in the core body temperature. Strenuous exercise and warm or hot bath may trigger the condition. Numerous small welts appear causing itching, tingling and burning sensation. The red spots appear quickly and last up to two hours. It is considered that psychosomatic influences stimulate parasympathetic nervous system leading to release of histamine throughout the body.

    Cold influenced physical urticaria is common in youngsters. On exposure to cold winds, cold water and cold climate, red spots appear on exposed parts like face, neck and hands. There is another hereditary type which may cause red swollen spots all over the body, nine to eighteen hours  after exposure. For persons with this condition, there is a grave danger in swimming in cold waters, as there may be massive release of histamine leading to low blood pressure and shock.

    Delayed-pressure urticaria is a rare physical type and skin swelling occurs in the areas where there is sustained pressure. Usually in this delayed type, swollen spots appear approximately six hours from initial stimulus and may last between eight hours to three days. Belts, straps, tight-fitted clothing and activities giving sustained pressure on the skin can trigger this condition.

    Heat induced urticaria is a rare physical type wherein swollen spots appear on continued application of heat. The spots may appear within two to three minutes of exposure and may last up to one hour.

    Solar or sun induced urticaria is caused on exposure to sun on the exposed skin areas. Though this physical type appears within a few minutes of exposure, it resolves within a few hours from withdrawing the sun exposure. Depending upon the wavelength of light triggering the condition, six different types are known.

    Water (aquagenic) urticaria is triggered on contact with water and the response is not temperature dependent. The skin swelling appears within one to ten minutes after the contact and may last up to two hours. Histamine release is not involved in this condition and there is a opinion that sensitivity of skin to additives in the water may the triggering factor.

    Vibratory urticaria is a rare physical type and develops on contact with vibration. Painful angioedema develops within five minutes after contact with vibration and may last up to one hour.

    Exercise-induced anaphylaxis is a rare physical type causing skin swelling and itchiness, shortage of breath and low blood pressure. The symptoms may appear within thirty minutes from the start of exercise and sometimes may prove fatal. Unlike cholinergic Urticaria, in this type hot bath does not trigger the condition. Hospitalization and treatment with antihistamines, epinephrine and ventilator support may be required.

Drug-induced type of urticaria

    Many drugs have been found to cause allergic reactions like minor skin rashes and urticaria. The most common causes of drug induced allergy are penicillin and related antibiotics like amoxicillin and ampicillin. Other common urticaria inducing drugs are sulfonamides, antiepileptic drugs, antidiabetic drugs, insulin preparations, aspirin, dextroamphetamine and clotrimazole. Some of them can lead to severe physical symptoms like angioedema, severe asthma, anaphylaxis and cardio-respiratory failure.

    Knowing and avoiding the triggering factors and use of appropriate antihistamine medicines can resolve all types of physical urticaria without leaving any skin blemishes, discolorations and scars.

Related topic of interest:
Acute urticaria

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Image:
James Heilman, MD, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Jmh649/CC BY-SA 3.0

References:
1.Marcus Maurer and Jürgen Grabbe, Urticaria: Its History-Based Diagnosis and Etiologically Oriented Treatment, Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 June; 105(25): 458–466. PMCID: PMC2696901
2.Barbaud A, [Physical urticaria], Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2003 May;130 Spec No 1:1S16-27, PMID: 12843805

Laser skin treatment - Cosmetic Laser

Home › Skin treatments with cosmetic lasers

Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is being increasingly used in cosmetic skin treatments.

Laser technologies are making inroads into traditional beauty and skin care industry and these cosmetic treatments are replacing traditional methods. Of late lasers are being used for skin and beauty care methods like,

• skin tightening,
• collagen rejuvenation,
• laser resurfacing,
• freckles, age spots, wrinkles, sun spots and stretch marks removal,
• scar removal,
• hair removal,
• tattoo removal,
• laser removal of pigmented lesions,
• pseudofolliculitis (shave bumps) removal,
• spider veins (telangiectasia) removal,
• laser removal of vascular lesions and
• removal of warts, rosacea, acne and acne blemishes.

How does cosmetic laser works?

Laser emits intense beam of light energy of a particular wavelength. The narrow intense beam may be visible or invisible depending upon its wavelength. On reaching the target tissues it is absorbed and converted into heat energy inactivating and destroying the target tissue cells without affecting the other surrounding cells.

Image of pseudofolliculitis (shave bumps)
which can be removed by cosmetic laser treatment

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are the two basic types. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin. The non ablative devices heat up the inner skin tissue to stimulate collagen deposit and do not affecting the outer epidermis layer.

The facial plastic surgeon is the right person for deciding on the type of cosmetic laser therapy to be undertaken, considering all the pros and cons of the options available. Depending upon the plan of action and strategy and the blemish involved one may need more than one session at the clinic.

After the completion of the laser session, the patient may develop swelling and reddening of the skin. He may be prescribed anti inflammatory medicine and antibiotics to reduce inflammation and to prevent infection. The full impact of the method will be apparent only after one or two months.

The effectiveness of the cosmetic treatment depends upon choice of the right type of laser device, training and skill of the operator of the device and the correct settings of wave length, power, pulse, duration and time lapse between the pulse.

Risks associated with cosmetic Laser treatment

• If proper eye protection is not worn during the performance there is a risk of eye damage.
• Pain, reddening, burns, inflammation and swelling are the usual after effects.
• The healing process may get prolonged for some individuals. The inflammation may get infected in some cases.
• There may be hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the wound (which is usually temporary).
• In some cases the change in pigmentation may become permanent.
• In case of use of wrong device or improper methodology permanent scars may result.
• Though each session may be short, the whole procedure may be time consuming requiring several trips.
• Cosmetic laser treatments are usually expensive.
• The effectiveness may vary from person to person and some having complete satisfaction and some getting disappointed with the result.

Contraindications for cosmetic Laser treatments

These methods are absolutely contraindicated in the following situations like,

• pregnancy,
• keloid scarring,
• severe reactions to earlier treatments,
• medications contraindicating bright light exposure of the user,
• dermis being sensitive to light exposure,
• severe and serious illness and
• having implants.

Individuals with chronic diseases must inform their doctor about their ailments and take his advice about undergoing cosmetic Laser treatment.

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Current topic: Cosmetic skin treatment with lasers

Albinism causes - Albinism disorder types and genetics

Home > White skin discoloration > Albinism facts > Albinism disorder causes, types and genetics

There are several types of albinism disorders and all types are caused by genetic defects rendering the body incapable of producing or distributing melanin pigment.

Most of these genetic defects are caused by recessive alleles. A person has to receive the defective genetic material from both the parents to get the albinism disorder. If the person receives the mutated gene from only one parent, he will be normal, but will be a genetic carrier. Normally carrier-parents have 25% chances for producing children with albinism disorder. There are currently 15 genetic locations in the chromosomes that have been associated with albinism.

Genetic defects affecting melanin pathway causes albinism disorders

The pigment melanin is formed in the melanocytes present in the skin, hair follicles and pigment cells of the eye. The production of melanin involves a series of enzymatic reactions converting the amino acid tyrosine into two types of melanin, namely black-brown eumelanin and red-blond pheomelanin. Genetic mutations affecting proteins and enzymes involved in melanin production pathway cause  non-production or reduced production of melanin. Tyrosinase enzyme has a major role in converting tyrosine to DOPA. DOPA is then converted to dopaquinone and then to eumelanin or pheomelanin. Tyrosinase-related protein 1 and tyrosinase-related protein 2 are also involved in formation of eumelanin. P protein (a melanosomal membrane protein) is involved in the transport of tyrosine for mealnin synthesis. Any genetic mutation affecting these enzymes and proteins can cause albinism disorder.

Genetics and causes of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA)

In oculocutaneous type of albinism disorder eyes (ocular), skin (cutaneous) and hair are involved. One of the four mutated genes causes this albinism disorder. Oculocutaneous albinism has four sub types OCA1, OCA2, OCA3 and OCA4 caused by mutated genes TYR, OCA2, TYRP1, and SLC45A2 respectively.
 
Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1) is Tyrosinase-Related OCA and is caused by mutated TYR gene on the chromosome 11. There is a genetic defect in the tyrosinase enzyme which is responsible for the metabolism of amino acid tyrosine into Melanin pigment. Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 is transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance. The characteristics of OCA1 type are deficient melanin synthesis in the skin, hair and eyes, nystagmus, reduced visual acuity and iris translucency.  At birth the affected children with this type of albinism disorder usually have white skin, white hair and blue eyes. Later on some of them may produce some pigment to have a slight tan and blond hair.

Oculocutaneous albinism 1A (OCA1A) is Tyrosinase-Negative OCA. The genetic defect in the tyrosinase enzyme makes it inactive and melanin is not produced. Individuals having oculocutaneous albinism type 1A have white hair and skin. The skin does not tan and the iris remain translucent and does not darken with age. It causes reduced visual acuity.

Oculocutaneous albinism 1B (OCA1B) is Yellow OCA. The genetic defect in the tyrosinase enzyme makes it minimally active and a small amount of melanin pigment is produced. Individuals with oculocutaneous albinism type 1B have white or light yellow hair and white skin at birth. The hair may darken with age. The skin may develop light pigment and tan. The blue iris at birth may turn hazel/green/brown with age. Individuals having OCA1B type disorder have better visual acuity when compared to OCA1A type individuals.

Temperature-sensitive albinism is a sub-type of oculocutaneous albinism type 1B. In this genetic disorder there is mutation in tyrosinase gene and causes temperature-sensitive tyrosinase enzyme to be produced. Temperature-sensitive tyrosinase enzyme has reduced activity than normal tyrosinase enzyme at normal temperatures (37*C). Its activity improves with lower temperatures. Parts of the body with normal temperature like scalp hair and axillary hair have minimal pigment while cooler areas of the body like arms and legs are greatly pigmented.

Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2) is caused by OCA2 gene mutation on the chromosome 15. In OCA TYpe 2 disorder there is a genetic defect in P protein which helps in the function of tyrosinase enzyme. Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 disorder is transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance. OCA2 is characterized by reduced pigmentation of the skin, hair and iris. This type of disorder causes ocular defects, including nystagmus, iris translucency and reduced visual acuity. Skin pigmentation may vary from minimal to near-normal. Newborns have pigmented hair ranging from very light yellow to brown. There is a variant of OCA2 disorder identified in Africans and African Americans which causes light brown skin and hair.

Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 (OCA3) is caused by mutation of TyRP1 gene on the chromosome 9. OCA type 3 disorder is transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance. This is a very rare type of disorder caused by genetic defect in TYRP1, a protein related to tyrosinase enzyme. There is substantial pigmentation in people with OCA3.

Oculocutaneous albinism type 4 (OCA4) is caused by mutated SLC45A2 gene on the chromosome 5. This disorder is caused by defect in the SLC45A2 protein that helps the function of tyrosinase enzyme. OCA4 is transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance. OCA4 is characterized by reduced pigmentation of the skin, hair and iris. Ocular defects include nystagmus, iris translucency and reduced visual acuity. Skin pigmentation may vary from minimal to near-normal. Newborns have some pigmentation in hair ranging from silvery white to light yellow. OCA4 is rarer except in people of Japanese origin.

Genetic causes of ocular albinism

Ocular albinism (OA1) is caused by mutation of GPR143 gene on X chromosome. It is passed on to sons by carrier-mother (50% chances). For the daughters to inherit OA1, father must have OA1 and mother should be either a OA1 (100% chances) or carrier (50% chances). Ocular albinism disorder affects only eyes and causes minimal pigment in them. Reduced visual acuity, nystagmus, and difficulty controlling eye movements are caused in persons with ocular albinism.

Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS)
HPS is a rare type of albinism and is autosomal recessive. This disorder is more common in Puerto Rico.
HPS can be caused by mutations in several genes: HPS1, HPS3, HPS4, HPS5, HPS6 and HPS7. HPS shows all the characteristics of oculocutaneous albinism. HPS also has bleeding problems due to a platelet abnormality in lacking dense bodies and storage of an abnormal fat-protein compound. This disorder may also involve lung and bowl malfunctions.

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome (CHS)
CHS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by the mutation of LYST gene. Individuals with CHS show characteristics of oculocutaneous albinism, having light skin and silvery hair. They are also afflicted by solar sensitivity, photophobia, frequent infections and neuropathy. A defect in the granules present in skin pigment cells and white blood cells causes this type of albinism associated with immunodeficiency. Albinism disorder is typically partial, and some individuals may also have peripheral neuropathy.

Griscelli Syndrome
Griscelli syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by albinism with immunodeficiency and neurological problems. It usually causes death in early childhood.

To sum up there are various genetic causes giving rise to various types of albinism disorders requiring further research and social efforts to alleviate the problems of the affected people.

Topic of interest:
Causes of chronic hives

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References:
Richard A King, MD, PhD, FACMG and William S Oetting, PhD., Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 2, University of Minnesota Health Center, Minneapolis, PMID: 20301410.

Skin discoloration - Types of skin discoloration

Home › Skin discoloration › Types of skin discoloration

Skin discoloration can indicate mild to severe medical conditions. Changes in skin color and patchy irregular types of discoloration can be caused due to various reasons.

Skin discoloration can be with different hues like white, dark, brown, red, pink, blue, yellow, orange, bronze and slate colors.

Changes in melanin pigmentation, hypervascularization, pregnancy, inflammation, diet, growth of foreign organisms, diseases, cyanosis, hypercarotenemia, mineral overload, medicines and jaundice can cause these various hues of coloration.

Skin coloration with white or pale spots and patches

White patches and lightening of epidermis occurs due to hypopigmentation, wherein the melanin pigmentation gets reduced. This situation can be due to self destruction of melanin producing cells (melanocytes) in diseases like vitiligo.

Certain infections like tinea versicolor can affect the melanocytes and white patches can appear. Conditions like nevus depigmentosus, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, fordyce spots can also give rise to harmless white spots and patches.

Skin discoloration with dark/brown spots and patches

Dark/brown type of spots are due to hyperpigmentation caused by excessive production and deposition of melanin pigment by melanocytes (pigment producing cells).
Prolonged sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, melasma, pregnancy and old age may be some of the reasons for this condition.

Reddish type of discoloration

Reddening of the epidermis may be caused by infections, inflammation, rash, eczema, sunburn and dermatitis. Hypervascularization of the certain areas of the dermis also can cause reddening.

Blue type of skin coloration

The dermis becomes bluish when the blood is low in oxygen (cyanosis). This type of coloration can be observed in young children when the weather gets very cold. This is due to slowing down of circulation in the blood vessels in the dermis. In case of lung infections and impaired heart functions the oxygen level may go down resulting in blueness of epidermis.

Yellow type of skin

In case of jaundice, mucus membranes, eyes and epidermis become yellow due to the presence of bilirubin.
Bilirubin is the yellow pigment (a product of RBC breakdown) present in bile and when the bile is obstructed from reaching the gastrointestinal canal, it gets into circulation.

Bronze or slate-grey skin pigmentation

When there is iron overload or iron poisoning the epidermis may appear slate-grey or bronze in color. This type of coloration is a grave situation and necessary medical treatments must be given to avoid greater damages.

Orange skin coloration

When epidermis accumulates carotenoids, it appears yellowish orange in color. Carotenoderma occurs when fruits and vegetables containing carotene is consumed in excess. This is a harmless condition resolving by itself when the carotene consumption is brought down.

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Current topic: Types of skin discolorations.

Skin care - Olive oil types - Varieties - Extra virgin

Nutrition → Health benefits → For skin care → For hair care → moisturizer → Beauty tips
Types of olive oil are many and are classified by International olive oil council depending upon the process of extraction and blending and the aroma, taste, colour and flavour.

Extra virgin olive oil

These types are extracted from the fruits by physical methods and no chemical method is used.

They are the products of first pressing and about 90% of the olive oil is removed at this stage.

To qualify to be called extra virgin, these varieties must not contain more than 0.8% acidity.

Extra virgin types must also have good taste, flavour and aroma.

These varieties are used directly at the table to enhance the flavour of soups, salads and stews and also for dipping.

Premium extra virgin is the finest of the types and contains less than 0.2% acidity.

These types appear yellow to deep green in color and have extra superior flavour with fruity taste.

Virgin olive oil

These types are also produced by the mechanical methods and of the first pressing only.

However these varieties contains extra acidity up to 2%. The rise in acidity when compared to extra virgin varieties may be due to the stage of ripeness of the fruits, the time lapse between the harvest and extraction, the variety of cultivar and the geographic region of the product. It must also have good taste and flavour.

Finer types must contain not more than 1.5% of acidity and should have good flavour.

Refined olive oil

The products which do not qualify to be of higher grades like extra virgin, due to higher and extra acidity are processed further by filtration, heat and chemicals to lower the acidity to 0.3% and remove other defects.

Much of the taste and flavour may be lost. However it is to be noted that solvent extraction method is not involved. This is used in restaurants and in cooking.

Pure olive oil

These types are blends of virgin and refined products.

By addition of virgin olive oil (20%), taste and aroma are infused into the refined product without extra fatty acid percentage (less than 1.5%).

This is priced lesser and hence used in cooking and in restaurants.

Immature fruits

Pomace olive oil

By further processing the paste, these lowest types are extracted by treatment with heat and solvents. Blending with virgin olive oil may be done.

But this product is denoted as pomace olive oil. Its acidity should not exceed 1.5%. It is used commercially for making various by-products.

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