Question

Depigmented macules appearing on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body due to the lack of melanin are termed ___________.

1) Vitiligo
2) Albinism
3) Melasma
4) Eczema

Answer 1

Depigmented macules due to a lack of melanin are termed vitiligo, a condition where melanocytes stop producing melanin, resulting in patchy skin color loss. Albinism is a genetic condition with an overall lack of pigmentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Depigmented macules appearing on the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body due to the lack of melanin are termed vitiligo. Vitiligo occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, lose their ability to create this pigment. This leads to white or light patches on the skin, which can be particularly noticeable on darker skin tones.

Albinism, on the other hand, is a genetic condition where the production of melanin is completely or partially absent, affecting the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have an overall lack of pigmentation and require extra protection from UV radiation. While both conditions involve melanin deficiency, vitiligo is characterized by patchy loss of skin color, whereas albinism affects pigmentation throughout the body.