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Normal skin colour

Skin colour is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialised cells in the skin (melanocytes). The amount and type of melanin determines a person's skin colour. The variations in skin colour amongst individuals is referred to as the skin phototype and this can vary from skin type 1 (very fair, redhead, blue eyes) to skin type 6 (very dark).

What is the function of melanin?

Melanin gives colour to the skin, hair, and iris of the eyes. Levels of melanin depend on race and amount of sunlight exposure. Sun exposure increases melanin production - to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. In addition, hormonal changes can affect melanin production.

Pigmentary skin disorders

This occurs when there is a variation in a persons’ baseline skin colour. There may be increased pigment called “hyperpigmentation” or a decrease in pigment called “hypopigmentation”. These variations may involve a small localised area or can involve large body areas.

HYPERPIGMENATION

Post-inflammatory pigmentation

Melasma

Melasma or chloasma is a dark brown discoloration of skin found on sun-exposed areas of the face. It is most commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip and is usually symmetrical. It is a common skin disorder mostly affecting young women with brownish skin tones, although it can affect women of any skin type & age. It rarely does also occur in men.

Melasma is often associated with the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. It is common in pregnant women (“mask of pregnancy”), women who are taking oral contraceptives, and women taking hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Melasma often fades over several months after stopping oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy or after delivering a child. It may return with additional pregnancies or with the use of these medications. Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma. It is particularly common in tropical climates.

Birth Marks

People may have patches of pigmentation as since the time of birth. These are usually flat brown patches called Café au lait macules. They can vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Some pigmented birth marks may be associated with other internal genetic defects.


TREATMENT OF HYPERPIGMENTATION

This will include creams that contain medical grade vitamin A or a safe bleach ingredient & procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peels & laser.

HYPOPIGMENTATION

Vitiligo

Albinism

This is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by a total or partial lack of melanin in the skin, compared to the pigmentation of siblings and parents. Albinos (people with albinism) have white hair, pale skin, and pink eyes. Vision is often affected. There is no treatment of this condition but these patients require strict sun protection as they are at high risk of developing skin cancer.

Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation

Sometimes, following an ulcer, blister, burn, rash or infection, the skin does not replace some of the pigment in that area an this area may remain lighter than the skin. This may be temporary as in Tinea versicolor (fungal infection involving the chest & back) or Pityriasis Alba (dermatitis seen on the face of children). However, in some cases like deep burns, this may be permanent.

Conclusion

It is important that the exact nature of the pigmentary disorder be assessed in order to prescribe the correct treatment. In patients who have conditions like lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis and acne, it is vital that these are treated early and appropriately in order to prevent the pigmentation from developing in the first place