What Are the Pigmentary Changes in the Skin?
Skin pigmentation is governed by the amount and kind of melanin, a pigment generated by melanocytes, which are specialized skin cells. Melanin production changes can result in pigment disorders such as
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Hyperpigmentation (dark spots).
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Hypopigmentation (light spots).
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Depigmentation (white spots or patches).
Changes in melanin and, hence, skin pigmentation can be caused by blisters, hereditary factors, acne, wounds, sun exposure, and autoimmune diseases.
What Are the Types of Melanin Present in the Body?
The skin tone results from a complex process in which special cells inside the skin's outer layer, melanocytes, produce melanin. Melanosomes are organelles (or mini-organelles) found within these special skin cells. The amount, size, and operation of melanin determine skin color.
There are two types of melanin:
Eumelanin
It is brown and black, and it protects the skin by restricting the amount of damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays that may enter and take up reactive oxygen radicals, which, if left uncontrolled, can damage cells and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), potentially leading to chronic health issues such as cancer.
Pheomelanin
It is colored yellow and red melanin, which, unlike eumelanin, offers little UV protection and may even promote the production of reactive oxygen radicals and the damage they cause. The melanin balance in the skin determines skin pigmentation. This can change depending on hormones, interactions with other cells in the body, the impact of specific genes, and other factors.
What Are the Causes of Skin Pigmentation?
Over 125 genes have been identified as influencing skin pigmentation. Genes, along with hormones, are in charge of regulating the melanin production process. They can control how much eumelanin or pheomelanin the skin cells produce and how well they survive and function. This causes skin color changes over time. Variations in skin color represent evolutionary adaptations that enabled ancestors to live 300,000 to 1 million years ago. Darker and lighter skin provides important advantages:
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In high-sun areas, darker skin helps protect people from harmful UV rays.
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Others with lighter skin produce vitamin D more efficiently in areas with less sunlight (a key component of the vitamin D synthesis process).
Genetics determines the number of melanocytes a person has. On the other hand, hyperpigmentation and tanning involve the increase and transfer of melanosomes, the organelles containing melanin.
What Are the Types of Discoloration of Skin Pigmentation?
Skin pigment disorders, injuries, and other body changes can cause the skin to lighten, darken, or change color. A person may notice changes in their skin tone in multiple areas on their skin's surface or only in specific patches of skin.
Skin pigmentation can be classified into the following types:
Hyperpigmentation
It is an abnormally high amount of melanin or other pigments in the skin; hyperpigmentation causes the skin to darken or change color. The following factors can cause hyperpigmentation:
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Scars from acne.
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Pregnancy which causes tan, brown melasma, or grey patches, can appear on the face.
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Spots of age.
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Antibiotics and birth control pills are examples of such medications.
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Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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Sunlight exposure.
Hypopigmentation
Due to the reduced amount of melanin, skin with hypopigmentation appears lighter in color. Hypopigmentation can occur for various reasons, including
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Psoriasis and eczema (inflammatory skin conditions).
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Previous burns, blisters, ulcers, chemical exposure, or skin infection.
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Albinism (an uncommon hereditary disorder caused by a melanin-producing enzyme deficiency).
Depigmentation
It happens when the skin completely loses its color and goes white. Vitiligo is characterized by smooth, white areas on the skin; an autoimmune disorder is a typical cause of depigmentation.
What Is the Treatment of Skin Pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation discoloration treatment differs depending on the cause. Certain types of skin discoloration can be treated with over-the-counter products and self-care. However, other skin conditions may necessitate ongoing care from a qualified dermatologist or doctor specializing in skin, nails, and hair.
Hyperpigmentation
It can be treated using therapies such as
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Hydroquinone cream is a topical medication.
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Chemical peeling.
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Laser or light therapy.
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Dermabrasion.
If darker skin spots have appeared as a result of pregnancy, consult with the healthcare provider about how to treat them. Sunscreen and sun-blocking clothing can help keep skin pigmentation from worsening, and it may fade naturally after giving birth. If not, over-the-counter and prescription creams can help.
Depigmentation and Hypopigmentation
If parts of the skin are lighter due to skin damage, time and patience are usually all needed as the skin rebuilds. Meanwhile, cosmetics can help to even out the skin tone. Consult a dermatologist for the best treatment plan for depigmentation caused by chronic skin conditions.
Depending on the underlying cause, therapies such as
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Using dyes to cover up patches.
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Prescription creams for light therapy.
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Surgery.
What Are the Different Skin Pigment Disorders?
Albinism
This is a rare, inherited condition. It reduces melanin pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have white hair, pale skin, and blue eyes. In different lighting conditions, their eyes may appear red. Many people have vision problems as well. Albinism cannot be cured. People with this condition should protect their skin and eyes from sun damage by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
Melasma
During pregnancy, pigmented areas on the face range from dark brown to gray-brown. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormones, sun exposure, and birth control pills. Sunscreen and minimizing sun exposure can help keep melasma at bay. Prescription creams containing Hydroquinone and Tretinoin may also lighten the patches. Chemical peels and laser treatments are also options. Pigment loss following skin damage following an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection, the skin may fail to replace some of the pigment in that area. However, there is no need for treatment. The blemish is usually concealable with makeup.
Vitiligo
This results in smooth, white patches of skin. It is caused by the skin's loss of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. The white patches are extremely sun sensitive. There is no treatment. Treatment options include covering smaller regions with long-lasting dyes, light-sensitive medications, UV light therapy, corticosteroid creams, surgery, and removing remaining pigment from the skin.
Conclusion
Skin pigmentation is the color of the skin caused by the presence of melanin. Genetics, skin injury, sun exposure, and hormones may all influence skin pigmentation, causing it to lighten, darken, or change color. Treatment options differ depending on the kind of skin pigmentation issue. If a patch of the skin or a mole changes color, texture, or shape and does not fade, make an appointment with the healthcare provider. It is critical to consult with a doctor to rule out and treat any underlying causes of hyperpigmentation.
