Know more about pigmentation

For a healthy person, their skin will appear of normal skin colour. In the case of illness or injury, the

person's skin may change colour, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter

(hypopigmentation).

Hyperpigmentation and Skin

Hyperpigmentation

- Caused by an increase in melanin (substance in body responsible for colour/pigment)

- Conditions (eg: pregnancy or Addison’s disease, where there is a decreased function of the

adrenal gland), Various drugs (eg: some antibiotics, antiarrythmics, antimalarial drugs),

and/or Sunlight may cause hyperpigmentation

Melasma

- It is one form of hyperpigmentation, characterized by tan or brown patches commonly on

the face

- Melasma can occur in pregnant women, as well as men

- Melasma frequently goes away after pregnancy. It can also be treated with certain

prescription creams (such as hydroquinone)

- If you have melasma, limit your exposure to sunlight. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and use a

sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at all times. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or

titanium dioxide are also helpful.

Hypopigmentation and Skin

Hypopigmentation is the result of a reduction in melanin production. Examples of hypopigmentation

include:

Vitiligo

- An autoimmune disorder whereby pigment-producing cells are damaged

- Causes smooth, white patches on the skin (patches can appear all over the body)

- There is no cure for vitiligo, but several treatments are available, including cosmetic coverups,

corticosteroid creams, or ultraviolet light treatments

Albinism

- A rare inherited disorder caused by the absence of a melanin-producing enzyme

- This results in a complete lack of pigmentation in skin, hair, or eyes

- There is no cure for albinism. People with albinism should use sunscreen at all times to avoid

getting sun damage and skin cancer

Pigmentation loss as a result of skin damage

- May occur if you've had a skin infection, blister, burn, or other trauma to your skin

- Such pigment loss is frequently not permanent, but it may take a long time to repigment

- Cosmetics can be used to cover the area, while the body regenerates the pigment.

“source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hyperpigmentationhypopigmentation”