Skin pigmentation disorders result in an abnormal darkening or lightening of the skin. Learn what causes brown or white patches, and about the treatments that can minimize their appearance
All skin color — from the lightest to the darkest — is created by melanin, a brown pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the top layer of your skin. Without these cells, all humans would be various shades of pink because of blood that flows to the skin.
When melanocytes become damaged, they can produce either too much or too little melanin, resulting in problems ranging from the brown patches associated with melasma to the white patches associated with vitiligo. Abnormal darkening is known as hyperpigmentation, and abnormal whitening is known as hypopigmentation.
Although most skin pigmentation disorders are medically harmless, they can have a devastating effect on your appearance and self-esteem, especially if they cover large areas. Fortunately, medical treatments are available to treat most brown patches and white patches.
Treatment for Skin Pigmentation Disorders
With the exception of albinism, which is incurable, people with skin pigmentation disorders have many options for treatment.
For melasma, home treatments include concealing cosmetics and over-the-counter creams containing the skin-lightening agent hydroquinone. If the creams don’t reduce your brown patches within a few weeks, consult your doctor or dermatologist. After testing your skin with a Wood's lamp, a device that determines how deeply the melasma has penetrated your skin, he or she may recommend:
All skin color — from the lightest to the darkest — is created by melanin, a brown pigment produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found in the top layer of your skin. Without these cells, all humans would be various shades of pink because of blood that flows to the skin.
When melanocytes become damaged, they can produce either too much or too little melanin, resulting in problems ranging from the brown patches associated with melasma to the white patches associated with vitiligo. Abnormal darkening is known as hyperpigmentation, and abnormal whitening is known as hypopigmentation.
Although most skin pigmentation disorders are medically harmless, they can have a devastating effect on your appearance and self-esteem, especially if they cover large areas. Fortunately, medical treatments are available to treat most brown patches and white patches.
Treatment for Skin Pigmentation Disorders
With the exception of albinism, which is incurable, people with skin pigmentation disorders have many options for treatment.
For melasma, home treatments include concealing cosmetics and over-the-counter creams containing the skin-lightening agent hydroquinone. If the creams don’t reduce your brown patches within a few weeks, consult your doctor or dermatologist. After testing your skin with a Wood's lamp, a device that determines how deeply the melasma has penetrated your skin, he or she may recommend:
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