What Are Pigmentation Abnormalities?
Pigmentation abnormalities are disturbances of human skin color. There may be a loss or reduction, which may be related to the loss of melanocytes or the inability of melanocytes to produce melanin or transport melanosomes correctly. Most pigmentation disorders involve the underproduction or overproduction of melanin that results in abnormal skin pigmentation.
CAUSES
Pigmentation abnormalities can be caused by genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or environmental factors. The symptoms include patches of skin that are lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding skin.
The most common forms of pigmentation abnormalities are vitiligo and melasma.
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for pigmentation abnormalities include excessive sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy), the use of certain medications (like birth control pills), genetic predispositions, autoimmune conditions, and skin injuries or inflammation. People with darker skin tones may also be more prone to certain types of pigmentation issues, such as melasma. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants or irritants can increase the risk of developing these conditions.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of pigmentation abnormalities typically include patches of skin that are either darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin.
FAQs
What are the different types of pigmentation abnormalities?
The most common forms of pigmentation abnormalities are vitiligo and melasma.
What pigmentation abnormalities treatments do you have?
Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. At Raleigh Dermatology, two of our most common treatments for pigmentation abnormalities are Xtra Excimer Laser Therapy and Light Box Therapy.
UVB (ultraviolet light) is the most common form of phototherapy used to treat various skin diseases. You will be exposed to this high energy UV light for a varying length of time. This treatment is NOT A CURE, but can effectively control or improve your disease.
What is vitiligo?
Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder causing white patches of skin to appear on the body due to loss of pigment. This happens when pigment-making cells in the skin, called melanocytes, are destroyed. The precise cause of vitiligo is complex and not fully understood. Some evidence suggests a combination of autoimmune, genetic and environmental factors are to blame. Vitiligo usually develops before a person’s 40th birthday and can also affect mucous membranes and the eye area.
What is melasma?
Melasma occurs when estrogen and/or progesterone stimulate pigmentation hormones to produce irregular-sized dark brown or grey patches on both sides of an adult’s face. These patches typically appear on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead or upper lip, and occur most frequently in darker skinned women, although it is has also affected lighter skinned men and women.
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Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services in Raleigh.