Skin & Esthetics


Skin Pigmentation: What are Its Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment


By S.I. (staff writer) , published on October 25, 2022



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What Is Skin Pigmentation? 

The term "pigmentation" describes the skin's hue. Disorders of skin pigmentation modify the color of your skin. The pigment that gives your skin its color, melanin, is produced by skin cells. Skin pigmentation is a disorder that darkens your skin. Your entire body may be impacted by this or just some areas of it. Skin pigmentation is typically not harmful, although it occasionally results from an underlying medical problem. Your skin may also darken as a result of some drugs. For most folks, it's more of an aesthetic problem. 

 

 

What Are Different Causes of Skin Pigmentation? 

The reason for skin pigmentation varies by type. The most frequent reasons include [2]: 

 

  • UV Radiation 

To shield the skin from extended sun exposure, the body releases more melanin. Age spots or sun spots, which are black patches or patches on the skin, may result from this. 

 

  • Irritation Of the Skin 

After someone has experienced skin inflammation, some areas of the skin may get darker. This can be a skin injury, lupus, eczema, or acne. Post-inflammatory skin pigmentation is more likely to occur in people with a darker complexion. 

 

  • Melasma 

When a person experiences hormonal changes, darker skin patches can develop. Pregnancy frequently results in this kind of skin discoloration. 

 

  • Effects of Drug Use 

Skin pigmentation can be brought on by some drugs, including tricyclic antidepressants and antimalarials. Skin patches may become grey in these situations. Skin pigmentation can occasionally be brought on by chemicals included in topical medications. 

 

  • Health Conditions 

Hemochromatosis and Addison's disease are two more serious conditions that can produce skin pigmentation. The adrenal glands are impacted by Addison's disease. It may result in skin pigmentation in some body parts, such as the: 

 

  • Elbows and knees 

  • Folds of the skin 

  • Inside of the cheek 

  • Knuckles 

  • Lips 

  • Toes 

 

The hereditary disorder hemochromatosis results in an excess of iron in the body. It could result in skin hyper-pigmentation, giving the appearance of darker or tanned skin. When hormone levels are five times greater than usual, skin pigmentation can happen [3]. 

 

 

What are Major Types of Skin Pigmentation? 

Skin pigmentation comes in a variety of forms, the most prevalent forms are mentioned below [4]: 

 

  • Melasma 

Melasma may appear during pregnancy and is thought to be brought on by hormonal changes. Skin pigmentation patches can form everywhere on the body, but the face and stomach are the two places where they most frequently do. 

 

  • Sunspots 

Sunspots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines are typical. They are connected to long-term, excessive solar exposure. They typically manifest as spots on exposed skin, such as the hands and cheeks. 

 

  • Post-Inflammatory Skin Pigmentation  

This occurs after skin damage or inflammation. Acne is a typical contributor to this kind. 

 

 

 

What are its Symptoms? 

The primary signs of skin pigmentation are darkened skin spots. Patches can appear everywhere on the body and vary in size. Your risk of developing hyper-pigmentation increases with increased sun exposure. Signs and symptoms of skin pigmentation patches can vary depending on the disorder: 

 

  • Darker skin types are more susceptible to alterations in pigmentation. 

  • Pregnancy or oral contraceptive use, as observed in melasma 

  • Skin injuries from trauma, such as superficial burns or wounds 

  • Substances that make you more sensitive to sunlight 

 

 

 

What are the Treatment Options for Hyper-pigmentation? 

Treatment options may include treating an underlying medical problem or quitting a drug, depending on the reason for your skin pigmentation. Following are some common treatment options [5]: 

  • Chemical peels 

  • Cryotherapy 

  • Intense pulsed light (IPL) 

  • Laser resurfacing 

  • Microdermabrasion 




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