Preface

Depigmentation (lightening of the skin and mucosa) can be caused by local or systemic conditions, and there may be partial or complete loss of pigment. Depigmented patches have serious implications for pigmented skin. Depigmentation can also be a therapeutic goal for cosmetic treatment. In this book, we will focus on both sides of depigmentation; diseases of depigmentation and therapeutic depigmentation presented by global experts.

Dr. Kamberoğlu Turan summarized about the use of lasers in the treatment of vitiligo. This chapter includes the 308 nm excimer laser and supplementary use of fractional carbon dioxide or erbium-YAG laser for repigmentation treatment of vitiligo, and the Q-switched laser for the depigmentation of remaining normal skin.

Dr. Yadav presented interesting points on the histopathology and molecular pathology of vitiligo.

Depigmentation can also affect mucosal structures. Depigmentation of female genitalia can cause severe shame and it can also be a sign of malignancy. Prof. Tsikouras and colleagues have reviewed benign depigmentation disorders of the vulva and clinical management, and have included clear clinical photographs.

When a vitiligo patch is big, therapeutic depigmentation is an easier and more convenient way to help patients. Dr. Mulekar summarized depigmentation therapies in vitiligo.

Cosmeceutical depigmentation is a big market for investigators and cosmetic companies. Ms. Parveen and colleagues presented a very interesting paper about how depigmenting cosmeceuticals improve hyperpigmentation.

I appreciate the contributions from all of the authors for their excellent academic efforts.

I want to thank my family, Eun-Mee Kim (Gil), Na-Hyun and Keun-Woo who comfort my life. I always feel deep thanks to Prof. Ai-Young Lee and Seung-Kyung Hann, who worked on vitiligo as my colleague dermatologists and personal tutors for thirty years. And finally, I wish to thank all of the staff members of the White-Line Skin Clinic and patients of depigmentation diseases.

> **Tae-Heung Kim, MD, Ph.D.** White-Line Skin Clinic and Research Center, Changwon, Kyungnam, Korea

**1**

Section 1

Diseases of Depigmentation

Section 1
