Skin pigmentation problems occur at all ages and stages of life … from birthmarks right through to age spots! Most conditions are harmless in medical terms, but many can cause a lot of distress to people suffering from them. Fortunately, the most common skin pigmentation problems are also the most treatable. We look at some types of skin colouring problems, and the associated pigmentation removal treatments.
1. Freckles
Just about every Caucasian person in the world has a freckle or two. Freckles are nothing more than concentrated clusters of melanin, and if you have the gene variant dominant melanocortin-1 receptor, any exposure to sunlight will trigger freckle formation.
Treatment: Freckles can be faded with creams, but often reappear as soon as you forget sunblock for ten minutes. Laser pigmentation removal is often longer lasting and more effective.
2. Age spots
Age spots are also known as liver spots, and they appear as we age because our body’s ability to protect against UV rays deteriorates, and produces melanin in patches as a result.
Treatment: Again, skin bleaching creams are cheap and common, but not as effective or long-lasting as laser pigmentation removal.
3. Vitiligo
Vitiligo looks like age spots, only in reverse – it cause pactehs of lighter skin. However the causes are very different – it is believed to be linked to autoimmune disorders and hyperthyroidism, and is a medical, not a cosmetic issue.
Treatment: See your doctor – treatment will depend on the exact cause.
4. Hyperpigmentation
If your body produces too much melanin overall, it is considered hyperpigmentation.
Treatment: Laser pigmentation removal isn’t ideal in this case – it works best in smaller patches. A skin bleaching cream or medications might be appropriate.
5. Melasma
Melasma is also known as chloasma, and often appears for the first time in pregnancy. In some women it fades after birth, in rare cases it persists in a lighter form.
Treatment: Prescription creams and OTC preparations can help with melasma. When women find it returning, though, laser pigmentation removal with a long wavelength machine is often recommended.
6. Birthmarks
Birthmarks are flat brown, black or even bluish spots that appear before, or soon after birth. Light brown spots are called café-au-lait. If they are prominent, they might be embarrassing – however they are a cosmetic rather than medical issue.
Treatment: Birthmarks can often be treated with laser pigmentation removal, with the laser making them less prominent, even if it isn’t able to remove darker discolorations completely.
7. Lichen Simplex Chronicus
This fungal infection causes dark patches of skin where you are infested. They are often really itchy, and if the condition isn’t treated scarring and infection usually result.
Treatment: Anti-fungal creams – see your doctor for a firm diagnosis and prescription though.
8. Port Wine Stains
These dark red or purple marks often occur on the face, and can be very embarrassing. They are harmless, and are caused by abnormal capillary development.
Treatment: Some specific models of laser machine can treat port wine stains – ask your cosmetic clinic.
9. Hemangiomas
These look a lot like port wine stains and are caused by a bunching together of cappillaries, but treatment is very different.
Treatment: In children, they are usually left to resolve on their own. They may be treated with corticosteroids, or in a similar process to laser pigmentation removal.
10. Albinism
People with albinism are called albinos, and have very pale skin, white or yellow hair and gray eyes. There is no cure or treatment for this genetic condition; however apart from the need to vigilantly protect the body from the sun, it has few effects.
Treatment: Nil.