What is the term for the abnormal lack of pigmentation in the skin?

The term that specifically refers to the abnormal lack of pigmentation in the skin is leukoderma. This medical term describes a condition characterized by lighter patches of skin due to a decrease in melanin production, which is the pigment responsible for skin color.

Leukoderma can arise from various causes, including genetic factors, autoimmune conditions, or after skin trauma or inflammation. This term is often used interchangeably with others that may denote similar conditions, but leukoderma is the most precise when discussing localized areas of decreased pigmentation.

Other terms mentioned, while related to skin pigmentation, do not specifically define the condition of abnormal lack of pigmentation in the same way. Hypopigmentation refers to less pigmentation but can imply a broader spectrum of conditions that do not always describe the complete absence of pigment. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin with various causes and does not specifically refer to pigmentation issues. Albinism is a genetic condition that results in a complete lack of melanin throughout the body, leading to a total absence of pigmentation, which is more specialized than leukoderma. This distinction is crucial in understanding skin conditions related to pigmentation.