Skin Pigmentation
Skin Pigmentation
Pigments that are naturally found in the skin
- The presence of several chromophores affects skin color
- The most significant pigment is melanin, which is produced by melanocytes
Pigments normally present in the skin
| Chromophore | Color |
|---|---|
| Deoxygenated hemoglobin | Blue |
| Oxyhemoglobin | Red |
Melanin
|
|
Melanocytes
Genetic factors determine the amount of melanin in the skin; those with more melanocytes typically have darker skin, while those with fewer melanocytes usually have lighter skin. In addition, numerous factors, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin traumas, and specific medical diseases, can impact this skin condition.
Abnormal Skin Pigments
Sometimes, pigments that are not normally present in the skin can develop and alter its color. These pigments can be endogenous, like hemosiderin, or exogenous, such as those from tattoos, nutritional supplements, or topical applications.
Cause and Color of Exogenous Pigments:
- Topical Applications: Silver nitrate (Black), Gentian violet (Violet), Brilliant green (Green), Potassium permanganate (Brown), Dithranol (Mauve), Iodine (Yellow)
- Drugs: Clofazimine (Red orange), Minocycline (Blue black), Phenothiazines (Slate gray)
- Tattoo Pigments: Carbon (Blue Black), Cobalt (Blue), Chrome (Green), Mercury (Red), Iron (Brown)
- Diet: Carotene (Orange)
Cause and Color of Endogenous Pigments:
- Hemoglobin Derived: Methemoglobin (Blue), Sulfhemoglobin (Blue), Carboxyhemoglobin (Pink), Bilirubin (Yellow), Hemosiderin (Brown)
Skin Pigmentation Disorders
These diseases cause the skin to produce either too little or too much melanin, affecting the skin’s color. A few common disorders that develop from changes in melanin production are as follows.
- Hyperpigmentation (dark spots)
- Hypopigmentation (light spots)
- Depigmentation (white spots or patches)
Hyperpigmentation
There are several variations of this illness, such as:
Solar Lentigines. Solar lentigines are sometimes known as sun spots, liver spots, or aging spots. These are little black dots that appear on the skin as a result of sun exposure. Sunlight-induced vertigo is more common in people over 50.
hyperpigmentation after inflammation (PIH). It manifests following a skin damage, like acne or a skin infection.
Furthermore, certain medical procedures including as chemical peels or laser therapy may cause PIH.
Melancholy. Women are disproportionately affected, particularly when taking birth control pills or during pregnancy. The condition causes brown or gray-brown patches to form on the face, most pronouncedly on the upper lip, forehead, cheekbones, and nose.
Snickers. Freckles are tiny, flat patches on the skin that result from an increase in melanin production. Those with fair complexion, usually tan or light brown, are more likely to have them. Treatment: While this condition is usually not harmful, some people may wish to minimize or get rid of it. It’s crucial to wear sunscreen and limit your time in the sun to reduce the effects, especially in those who are more prone to the illness.
Hypopigmentation
It occurs when there is not enough melanin produced by the skin, resulting in lighter areas or spots.
There are several variations of this illness, such as:
Vitiligo. Skin color loss results from the immune system attacking melanocytes, a disorder known as vitiligo. This may lead to white spots on the skin anywhere on the body. Vitiligo appears later in life and is not inherited. The term “leucotricha” here refers to a disorder in which the roots and, on occasion, the entire hair shaft become white.
Albinism. It is a hereditary disorder that results in either little or no melanin in the skin, hair, or eyes. As a result, albinos have lighter skin, hair, and eyes and are more susceptible to sunlight.
Versicolor tinea. A fungal infection called tinea versicolor can cause hypo- or hyperpigmentation of the skin. The arms, back, and chest frequently have patches of light brown or white color.
Pityriasis alba. It is a common skin condition that causes hypopigmentation and mainly affects children. This results in light-colored spots on the arms, neck, and face. Small, white spots appear on the skin as a result of this condition, usually on the arms and legs. Although there is no known reason for this ailment, older people with light skin are more susceptible to developing it.
Treatment: The underlying source of this problem will determine the best course of action. Albinism cannot be treated; rather, people with the condition should take precautions to protect their skin from the sun, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Antifungal medications can be used to treat tinea versicolor. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and pityriasis alba resolve spontaneously without medical intervention.
Prevention:- People with this condition should protect their skin from the sun and address the underlying cause. Sunscreen and protective clothes can assist to prevent future skin degeneration and make the situation appear better.
Depigmentation
This skin disorder occurs when the melanin pigment significantly declines, causing the human skin to lose its original color. Such pigment loss can be transient or permanent, resulting in the loss of all or some of the melanin pigment.
Causes of Skin Pigmentation
This syndrome may be caused by a variety of circumstances, including:
Excessive sun exposure can cause an increase in the synthesis of the pigment melanin, resulting in hyperpigmentation such as age spots.
Melasma, which is commonly seen in pregnant women and women on hormonal birth control, is a skin color change caused by hormonal fluctuations.
Genetics: Certain skin pigmentation anomalies, such as albinism, are inherited.
Injury or inflammation to the skin can cause dark spots or patches of skin owing to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Medication: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, can cause changes in skin color.
Aging: Age-related hypopigmentation or uneven skin tone is a natural result of the skin’s natural loss of melanin with age.
Skin disorders: Some skin conditions, such as vitiligo, can cause depigmentation or lighten the skin.
Smoking, poor food, and insufficient sleep are all examples of lifestyle factors that might influence skin tone.
Symptoms of Skin Pigmentation
- Dark blotches or patches on your skin Light or white spots on the skin.
- uneven skin tone or discolouration Skin discoloration in specific locations Freckles or moles that alter color or size.
- Itching, redness, or irritation on the affected skin.
- Dryness or flaky skin in the afflicted area Swelling or inflammation surrounding the affected area.
- A abrupt rise in the number of black spots or patches.
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