Pigmentation
Q.) What is the cause?
Ans) . Pigmentation involves an increase in synthesis of pigment by pigment producing cells in the skin. There can be various causes related to skin and internal disorders or external agents. Pigmentation of the face , as in melasma may be hormonal , sun aggravated or cosmetic and drug aggravated. Pigmentation can occur after burns, trauma ,friction or chemical contact.
It can also result after healing of some skin problem, such as pimples , certain eczemas and itchy disorders. Pigmentation under eyes and around mouth is also common. Under eye pigmentation can be familial, due to stress, lack of sleep , eye strain or increased by cosmetics. Around the mouth it may be induced due to habitual lip licking, certain lip sticks , melasma or may be familial/inherited.
Pigmentation on all exposed, uncovered areas of skin may be sun induced. There are also sertain skin problems with deposition of abnormal substances under the skin which cause a specific type of pigmentation (Macular Amyloidosis). Itchy pigmentation may occur in certain autoimmune disorders. Darkening of skin can be drug induced also. Besides these , certain systemic disorders may result in generalised pigmentation.Q.) How can one be sure of the reason for pigmentation?
Ans). one should consult a dermatologist who can clinically diagnose the cause of pigmentation or if the need arises use certain special instruments to know the depth and extent of pigmentation.Q.) Do skin lightening treatments help?
Ans). This depends on the cause of pigmentation and efficiency varies from individual to individual , over the counter preparation may not suit all skin types, or be effective in all kinds of pigmentation. It is best to let the skin specialist examine and decide what is best for you.Q.) Can pigmentation be cured?
Ans). Though certain types of pigmentation are stubborn, with the help of newer creams most of them can be treated. There is a wide range of topical application available of lightening of melasma , pigmentation after skin injury etc. As these have irritation potential one should always consult a skin specialist before using them. In other disorder of the skin resulting in pigmentation the underlying disease needs to be treated first by the doctor.Drugs and external agents causing pigmentation can be identified and avoided in the future.
These days some of the latest lasers are available for treatment of pigmentation, the older generation of lasers caused pain in some people, but the latest starlux 1540 treatments are absolutely safe and effective.
Without lasers , chemical peels which involve application of certain medicines once in 10-20 days also give an excellent cosmetic outcome.
