Melasma, vitiligo, lentigos, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation are the
most common pigmentary disorders, which are caused by the altered production and
distribution of melanin in the skin. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors including
ultraviolet radiation, food, chemical, certain medications, hormones etc. are responsible
for affecting pigment cell functions with an altered amount of melanin pigment. As a
result, pigmentation disorders are caused, which may be either hyperpigmentation or
hypopigmentation. These are commonly seen in dermatology practice and can have a
negative psychosocial impact on human life. In spite being of cosmetic concern, these
disorders are devastating and stigmatizing; hence, there is an urgent need for effective
treatment of pigmentary disorders based on their prevalence and impact on the quality
of life. Prevalence of pigmentary disorders has been assessed in many countries of the
world. In the present chapter, we have discussed about the prevalence of pigmentary
disorders with their impact on quality of life and social status of an individual.
Keywords: Dermatology, Pigmentary disorders, Prevalence, Psychosocial,
Quality of life.
