Pigmentation

Skin pigmentation refers to the color of a person’s skin, which is determined by the presence and amount of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes. The more melanin present, the darker the skin tone.

Types of Skin Pigmentation

1. Hypopigmentation – When certain areas of the skin become lighter due to reduced melanin. Causes include:
   • Vitiligo (an autoimmune condition)
   • Albinism (a genetic disorder)
   • Skin damage (scarring)
2. Normal Pigmentation Variations – Includes the natural range of skin tones in different ethnicities and freckles, birthmarks, or moles.

3. Hyperpigmentation – Certain areas of the skin become darker due to excess melanin production. Uneven hyperpigmentation of the skin is the most common and worrisome condition affecting all skin types. Causes include:

• • Sun exposure (sunspots, freckles)
  • Hormonal changes (melasma)
  • Inflammation or injury . Example – after healing of acne / abrasion / burns.
  • Harmful fairness products purchased over the counter etc,.

Treatment options

Treatment ranges from

• Sunscreens, 
• Depigmenting creams, serums,
• Chemical peeling
• Q switched lasers and Nd Yag lasers.

The choice and duration of treatment will depend on the cause and the depth of the pigmentation.