Skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation refers to the color of the skin, which is determined by the amount of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. While skin pigmentation is largely genetic, it can also be influenced by external factors such as sun exposure and hormonal changes. Pigmentation disorders can occur when the production or distribution of melanin is affected, leading to uneven skin tone and discoloration. In this article, we will discuss the different types of pigmentation disorders, their causes, and the available treatments.

Types of Pigmentation Disorders:

Hyper pigmentation: This refers to the darkening of the skin due to increased melanin production. The most common types of hyper pigmentation include-

• Age spots or liver spots: These are flat, brown or black spots that usually appear on the face, hands, and arms as a result of sun damage.
• Melasma: This is a type of hyper pigmentation that occurs during pregnancy or due to hormonal changes. It usually appears as brown patches on the face.
• Post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation: This occurs when the skin is inflamed due to acne, eczema, or other skin conditions, and can leave behind dark marks.