Skin Pigmentation: The Truth Behind Facts

Skin cells give colour to our skin by producing a substance called melanin. When these skin cells get damaged, melanin production gets affected. This is the exact reason for pigmentation disorders which affect people of all races. Some of them affect only certain patches of the skin while others affect whole of the body. Do you know enough about these disorders?

Production of melanin in excess leads to a dark skin tone. This condition is called hyper pigmentation. Also, too much of exposure to sun, pregnancy and Addison’s disease can give the skin a dark complexion. On the other hand, if the production of melanin is less than normal, then the skin gets a lighter tone. This is known as hypo pigmentation.

Albinism is a form of hypo pigmentation where the body does not produce enough melanin. It is an inherited condition in which there is a lack of melanin. People suffering from albinism have light skin, white or pale yellow hair and hazel or blue eyes.

Another condition related to hypo pigmentation is Vitiligo, wherein irregular patches of light skin can be seen on the body. Though the exact cause is not known, Vitiligo is a result of genetic as well as environmental factors. It generally effects people between the age of 10 to 30 years and is more evident in people with a darker skin tone.

Lichen simplex chronicus is a skin disorder related to hyper pigmentation. It is characterised by severe itching which causes thick and dark patches to develop on the skin.

Another disease known as Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare skin disorder where a person develops dry and scaly patches of skin.

Scientists are still conducting research on, as to what exactly causes skin pigmentation disorders. In some cases the reasons are evident; such as sun exposure, genetic inheritance or reaction to some medicine etc. But in most of the cases the causes are not clear. Hormonal changes can be another factor which contribute to the same.

There are basically four types of pigmentation.

1.Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation: It is caused due to acne, scratch or injury on the skin.

2.Lentigines or liver spots: These kind of spots occur due to sun damage and are mostly seen in older individuals.

3.Melasma: It is associated with hormonal changes and factors such as pregnancy, ingestion of birth control pills and menopausal changes. Cheeks, forehead and upper lip are the most affected areas.

4.Ephelides or freckles: These patches can be seen on the skins of people with a light complexion. They occur when the skin is exposed to sun.

The best method to prevent pigmentation disorders is to use an effective sunscreen lotion daily. Other options include cosmetic concealers and skin grafting. Skin-lightening creams are available for hyper pigmentation disorders. If a poor diet is the cause then one must consult a good dietician who can guide. Antihistamines and topical steroid creams are recommended by doctors for prevention of itching in lichen simplex chronicus.

For millions of people skin pigmentation is a cause of emotional distress and embarrassment. But if one follows some simple steps as mentioned above, then this condition can be avoided until and unless it is genetically acquired.