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:
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Skin pigmentation disorders occur as a result of the body producing either too much or too little melanin.
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Drug reactions.
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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.
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Hormonal changes, childbirth or birth control pills.
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Genetic factors.
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Medications.
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Emotional stress.
