pigmentation skin problem

Pigmentation

Pigmentation commonly affects the skin and causes changes in skin colour. It is crucial to understand your symptoms and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis and management can reduce possible complications of pigmentation.

What is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation commonly affects the skin and causes changes in skin colour. There are many different types of pigmentation conditions, namely hyperpigmentation (darkened skin), age or sun spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Rosacea skin problem

How Is Sensitive Skin or Rosacea Diagnosed?

A physical examination is typically sufficient to diagnose pigmentation through the symptoms present. Furthermore, your doctor may also review your medical and family history to aid in the diagnosis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to narrow down the cause of pigmentation.

Common causes of pigmentation include:

  • Excessive sun exposure

  • Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs

  • Skin irritation or trauma

  • Pregnancy hormones

  • Melasma (a skin condition that causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin)

  • Addison’s disease (an endocrine disorder that affects the adrenal glands of the kidneys)

Common symptoms of pigmentation include:

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Raised dark patches growing in size

Brown, tan, or black spots that appear on the skin

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Discoloured patches turning darker after sun exposure

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Patches of darkened skin of varying shades and sizes

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How Is Sensitive Skin or Rosacea Treated?

  • The following medications may be recommended to manage pigmentation symptoms:

    • Over-the-counter medication containing hydroquinone

    • Topical retinoids

    • Azelaic acid

    • Kojic acid

    • Vitamin B such as niacinamide

  • Chemical peels are used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin by applying chemical acids to your face, which help remove dirt, oil and dead skin, effectively cleansing and unclogging your skin’s pores. Chemical peels also help to lighten skin pigmentation such as dark spots, mild acne scars and superficial melasma.

  • Laser therapy and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment utilise light beams to penetrate the skin layer and minimise pigmentation. However, there may be slight swelling or redness after the procedure, which typically resolves within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Pigmentation is typically more of a cosmetic problem than a medical one and is generally harmless. In some cases, pigmentation may fade on its own with home treatment. However, in rare cases, increased pigmentation may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

    You should seek medical attention if you are concerned about abnormal spots that appear on your skin.

  • • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30

    • Wear hats or clothing that block sunlight

    • Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

    • Have a good skincare routine and choose products that are free from alcohol, sulfates, and parabens

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