Some causes, such as birthmarks, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer and cyanosis, are likely to require immediate treatment. It is essential to see a doctor if any new discolored patches of skin appear or if existing moles change in any way.

What is considered skin discoloration?

Some of the most common are pigmented birthmarks, macular stains, hemangiomas, port wine stains, while disorders include albinism, melasma, vitiligo and pigmentation loss due to skin damage. Birthmarks and other skin pigmentation (coloration) disorders affect many people.

What condition causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body.

Can you get rid of skin discoloration?

It's usually possible to treat mild to moderate skin discoloration using topical skin care products and medications such as retinoids, hydroquinone and peeling agents. For more severe hyperpigmentation, you may benefit from undergoing a cosmetic procedure to resurface your skin.

What's good for skin discoloration?

Over-the-counter creams: Vitamin A cream or vitamin E cream can help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and boost overall skin health. Lemon juice: Apply lemon juice twice per day to lighten skin areas that have darkened. This may reduce the appearance of discolored skin patches in six to eight weeks.

Learn From a Derm: How to Treat and Prevent Hyperpigmentation

15 related questions found

How long does hyperpigmentation Last?

Keep in mind that hyperpigmentation does not always fade. Even with treatment, some hyperpigmentation will be permanent. Without any treatment at all, it can take 3 to 24 months to see improvement. It really depends on the severity of darkened skin and how much the hyperpigmentation covers.

What autoimmune disease causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes your skin to lose color, often resulting in white patches on your skin that cover both sides of your body.

How do I know if I have vitiligo or something else?

Loss of skin color in patches, usually seen first on your face, hands, arms, legs, and feet. Premature whitening of your body hair, including facial hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Loss of color of the tissues inside your nose. Changes in or loss of color in your eyes.

What hormone causes skin discoloration?

“The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes is melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone increases the production of melanin, which is responsible for darkening the skin.”

Why does my skin look darker sometimes?

Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes. Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there.

Why is my face discolored?

Facial discoloration is often caused by the development of skin conditions such as melasma or brown spots. Patches of skin on the face darken in color as a result of ultraviolet light exposure, hormones and the aging process.

What is the pigment that causes skin color?

Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin color.

Can hormonal imbalance cause dark skin?

A particular type of skin discoloration called Acanthosis Nigricans generally appears as dark, velvety patches on the neck, armpits and groin but can also show up on the knuckles, elbows and knees.

What destroys melanin?

Ultraviolet light can cause DNA damage in cells and skin cancer, so melanin is an extremely important molecule. Bleaching completely destroys the amount of melanin in our skin making it more vulnerable and making those without it more susceptible to ailments such as skin cancer.

Can thyroid cause dark spots on face?

Hormonal changes that occur with thyroid disease could trigger melasma in some people. If you are being treated for thyroid disease or if you suspect that you might have it, you should see a doctor for proper care to lighten melasma.

How do you rule out vitiligo?

Usually Doctors Can Diagnose Vitiligo by Looking at Your Skin and Asking About Your Health History. Most of the time, a dermatologist will be able to diagnose vitiligo after examining your skin. (2) He or she will look for symptoms associated with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, in order to rule them out.

What does the beginning of vitiligo look like?

Vitiligo often starts as a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white. The centre of a patch may be white, with paler skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white. The edges of the patch may be smooth or irregular.

What can trigger vitiligo?

Vitiligo triggers include autoimmune disease, neurogenic factors, genetics, sunburn, stress and chemical exposure. Vitiligo is a skin condition that affects about 1% of the global population. It's often viewed as a cosmetic problem since it affects your appearance, but vitiligo is a medical condition.

What is lupus skin?

Cutaneous lupus is a type of lupus. It causes a red, scaly rash on the skin. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes your body to attack healthy tissues. Three types of cutaneous lupus cause different rashes to appear. The rashes often result from sun exposure.

Why is my skin becoming lighter?

If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin. Albinism is a genetic condition affecting a person's skin. A person with albinism may have no color, lighter than normal skin color, or patchy missing skin color.

Where does vitiligo usually start?

Vitiligo typically begins on the hands, forearms, feet, and face but can develop on any part of the body, including the mucous membranes (moist lining of the mouth, nose, genital, and rectal areas), the eyes, and inner ears.

Can I reverse hyperpigmentation?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie. After recovery, dark spots will be lightened, and you will have a more even skin tone.

Does drinking water help with hyperpigmentation?

Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively. Drinking enough water will also help you ensure better skin health and keep dehydration at bay.

How does hyperpigmentation look like?

Hyperpigmentation appears as darkened patches or spots on the skin that make skin look uneven. The spots are known as age spots or sun spots and hyperpigmentation is also at the heart of skin conditions such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Does hormonal pigmentation go away?

Most people who have hormonal skin pigmentation tend to have a more olive or dark complexion. While melasma doesn't cause you any pain or discomfort, it can be distressing because it's highly visible. Melasma can't really be cured, but it can be treated so its effects are minimised.