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 |  | Hydroquinone Cream: $5-$200 |  | Light or Laser Treatment: $100-$5,000 |
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Hypopigmentation[1] is a loss or lack of normal skin color brought on by a decrease in the body's production of melanin[2] , the substance responsible for skin pigment. The loss of pigment is often permanent, but some cases, depending on the cause and severity, may be treated or cured.
Typical costs: | - To assess the underlying cause of hypopigmentation and rule out other possible health conditions, patients must typically see a dermatologist. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs for visiting a dermatologist will typically consist of a doctor visit copay of $5 -$30 or more, or coinsurance of 10-50% or more. For patients without health insurance, an office visit typically costs $50-$200 or more.
- Depending on how widespread the hypopigmentation is, and whether it is chronic, several therapeutic options are available. However, most insurers will not cover treatments for hypopigmentation that are not considered medically necessary.
- Initial treatment often includes the use of topical corticosteroid creams, like fluticasone propionate[3] , which cost $25-$300 or more, depending on the amount and whether a patient chooses a generic or brand name version.
- Hydroquinone[4] , which decreases melanin in the skin, may be recommended to better blend the skin around the de-pigmented area. Prescription creams and gels contain at least 4% hydroquinone and typically cost $40-$200, depending on whether the patient buys a name brand or its generic equivalent. For example, EpiQuin Micro[5] costs $110. Two percent hydroquinone creams are available over the counter. These typically cost $5-$40 or more.
- Other options used to treat hypopgimentation include light or laser treatment, which can cost $100-$5,000, depending on how much of the skin is treated, the type of laser used, the individual center and its regional location.
- Among laser and light based treatment, fractional laser resurfacing[6] is often suggested for hypopigmented scars, with research[7] suggesting that it brought improvements of 51%-75% in six of seven patients. At Laser Touch Aesthetics[8] in New York City, fraxel resurfacing treatment ranges in cost from $750-$1,500 per treatment, with maximum benefit said to be gained through an average of three to five treatment sessions spaced about two to four weeks apart. At RealSelf.com[9] , doctors who responded to a query about fraxel treatment pricing put the cost at $1,000 per treatment for the face, or $3,500 for a recommended three to four treatments.
Related articles: Annual Physical, Hyperpigmentation Treatment, Health Insurance
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What should be included: | - A dermatologist will be able to diagnose hypopigmentation upon examination., but depending on its severity, and the presence of any other symptoms or signs, may also order additional tests to rule out autoimmune disorders, or other conditions.
Additional costs: | - Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 can help to prevent skin surrounding the areas affected by hypopigmentation from further darkening and emphasizing the contrast in color. It is also advised for patients who use hydroquinone, which makes skin more sensitive to the sun. Sunscreens typically range in cost from $5-$30 or more, like L'Oreal Sublime Sun Face Lotion, SPF 50[10] , which costs $11 at drugstore.com.
- For patients whose condition does not respond to medications, cosmetics may be the best option.
Discounts: | - Discount outlets such as Costco[11] and Walmart[12] often sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at significant savings. Walmart, for example, has a prescription drug program[13] that includes certain generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages.
- Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% of more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital[14] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill.
Shopping for hypopigmentation treatment: | - The American Academy of Dermatology has a search tool[15] to help patients find a dermatologist.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: | - www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperpigmentation-hypopigmentation
- www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002256.htm
- www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/fluticasone
- www.drugs.com/cdi/hydroquinone-cream.html
- www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/epiquin-micro
- www.dermanetwork.org/information/fractional_resurfacing.asp#b
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17338685
- www.lasertouchsoho.com/fraxel-treatment-nyc.html?gclid=CPvKjd7B4rMCFcRa4Aodg1kArQ
- www.realself.com/question/how-much-does-fraxel-cost
- www.drugstore.com/loreal-sublime-sun-face-lotion-spf-50/qxp381068?catid=159098
- www2.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11486072&cm_re=Common-_-Top_Nav...
- www.walmart.com/cp/pharmacy/5431
- www.walmart.com/cp/1078664
- www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
- www.aad.org/for-the-public/home
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