PIGMENTATION

PIH is the term given to the pigmentation of the skin after inflammation from a wound. It develops when a wound, pimple or rash causes inflammation of the skin which triggers the production of melanin. Excess melanin will darken or discolour the affected area.

PIH will fade over time although the time depends on the contrast between the discoloured area and the natural skin tone.

Melasma

Melasma, is a common skin condition of adults in which light to dark brown or greyish pigmentation develops, mainly on the face. Areas of melasma are not raised and the affected skin is not itchy or sore. It is more common in women or people with darker skin types who have high exposure to the sun

Melasma can be caused by several factors including pregnancy, use of hormonal drugs such as the contraceptive pill, and very occasionally, medical conditions affecting hormone levels. Exposure to sunshine can worsen any tendency to melasma. Treatment can improve the appearance  this skin condition

Age and Brown Spots

Many people refer to the brown and dark patches located on the face, tops of the hands, upper back, shoulders, and arms as liver spots, age spots or sun spots; officially, they are known as lentigines.

The most common cause of this skin condition is over production of melanin due to excessive exposure to sunlight. Then melanin is produced in higher concentration it appears as age spots

Dull Skin

Dull skin commonly refers to a skin that does not glow, has uneven tone, pigmentation and large open pores.

In essence, the skin does not reflect light correctly and appears tired and unhealthy.

Birthmarks

A birthmark is discoloration of a newborn baby’s skin.

Some appear at birth, some become more obvious as the baby grows older. Most are harmless but some may require medical attention

Examples of birthmarks include :

Port wine stain: they are pink-red at birth and grow a darker purple. They are blood vessels that didn’t grow properly.

Hemangiomas: they are raised birthmarks formed by a clump of blood vessels that didn’t grow properly. They can be blue, red or purple.

Cafe au lait spots: they are smooth oval light brown to brown patches that are more common on the torso, legs and sometimes face.