This document discusses various causes of hypopigmentation, or decreased pigmentation, of the skin. It describes genetic causes such as albinism and phenylketonuria that can result in generalized or circumscribed hypopigmentation from birth. Acquired causes are also discussed, including endocrine disorders, inflammatory conditions, certain chemicals or drugs, and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to localized or diffuse hypopigmentation later in life. The document provides an overview of the different etiologies of hypopigmentation disorders.