Skin Pigmentation Explained

13-Dec-2008

Tags: Skin , Mark , Pigmentation , Health , Melanin Skin , Mark , Pigmentation , Health , Melanin , Sun , Birthmark , Albinism , Hypo , Vitiligo , Hyper , Lichen , Simplex , Chronicus , Melasma , Port-wine , Stains , Signs , Sympyoms , Treatment more less

Skin pigmentation disorders are conditions that cause the skin to appear lighter or darker than normal, or blotchy and discolored. This is also known as Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation. Skin cells give your skin color by making a substance called melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Melanin production increases with exposure to the skin so as to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin, others affect your entire body. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. 

Causes:

• Skin pigmentation disorders occur as a result of the body producing either too much or too little melanin.
• Drug reactions.
• Impact of sunlight, the UV from the sun tells the cells to release more melanin in those areas of our bodies exposed to the sun.
• Hormonal changes, childbirth or birth control pills.
• Genetic factors.
• Medications.
• Emotional stress.

Types of pigmentation disorders:

• Hypo pigmentation: or loss of skin pigmentation is a condition where the body does not produce sufficient melanin. Sometimes after an ulcer, blister, burn, or infection heals, the skin loses some of its pigment in that area.

• Albinism: This leads to a situation of albinism wherein the person has light skin, white or pale yellow hair and gray eyes. Albinism is usually the result of an inherited recessive trait. They are much more likely to get sun damage and skin cancer. There is no cure for albinism, and individuals should use a sunscreen at all times.
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is another form of hypo pigmentation caused by the loss of pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes). These white patches are very sensitive to the sun. Treatment for vitiligo involves use of light-sensitive drugs in combination with ultraviolet A treatment.

• Hyper Pigmentation is a condition where the body produces too much melanin thereby causing to become darker than usual. Hyper pigmentation can occur due to excessive sun bathing or drug reactions.
• Lichen Simplex Chronicus: This skin pigmentation disorder is characterized by dark patches of skin accompanied with severe itching. This can lead to permanent scarring and infection if untreated.
• Melasma: This hyper pigmentation condition is a fallout of pregnancy hormones. A dark mask appears over the cheeks, bridge of the nose and the neck. This dark mask usually disappears after the birth of the child.
• Birthmarks: This type of skin pigmentation appears at birth or in the few weeks following birth. These birthmarks do not generally pose any health risks.
• Port-wine Stains: These skin pigmentation spots are caused by abnormal development of capillaries and appear as a red or purple mark on the body.

Treatment: Pigmentation can be treated whether by using applying medicines to problematic skin or physically through certain operative technique. Treatment suitability is dependent on the type of pigmentation.

• For albinism, health care providers advise people to cover up, use sunscreen and avoid excess sunlight to prevent skin cancer. Surgery may be necessary to correct visual impairments.
• To treat vitilgo, physicians may prescribe a combination of photo-sensitive medications like trimethylpsoralen and ultraviolet light therapy to darken the spots. Other options include cosmetic concealers and skin grafting.
• Skin-lightening creams are available for hyperpigmentation disorders. Doctors also advise staying out of the sun. Counseling with a dietitian may help in cases caused by poor nutrition.

If a mole or birthmark appears suspicious, physicians often will surgically remove it to prevent skin cancer. Most skin pigmentation disorders do not affect a person's health, only the outward appearance. Using sunscreen and avoiding too much sun exposure are the best prevention measures.

(Sources: healthatoz.com, nlm.nih.gov, targetwoman.com, numaderm.com)

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