Abnormally dark or light skin: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Synonyms: hyperpigmentation; Gipopigmentatsiya; Abnormally dark or light skin

Abnormally dark or light skin; Hyperpigmentation; Hypopigmentation; Skin – abnormally light or dark

What is abnormally dark or light skin

Abnormally dark or light skin is a skin condition, at which it is darker or lighter, than usual.

Normal skin contains cells, called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, substance, giving the skin its color.

Skin with excess melanin is called hyperpigmented skin..

Skin with insufficient melanin is called hypopigmented.. Skin without melanin is generally called depigmented..

Pale areas of the skin are associated with an insufficient amount of melanin in them., or low melanocyte activity. Darker areas of the skin (or area, which tan more easily in the sun) appear, when an excessive amount of melanin is produced or melanocytes are hyperactive.

Bronze skin tone can sometimes be mistaken for a tan.. This change in skin color often develops slowly, starting from the elbows, finger and knee joints, spreading from there to other parts of the body. The bronze hue can also be seen on the soles of the feet and palms.. Bronze color can vary from light to dark (in fair-skinned people) depending on the degree of darkness, root cause.

Causes of abnormally dark or light skin

To the reasons for hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) relate:

• Dermatitis (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
• Taking certain medications (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapy drugs and birth control pills)
• Diseases of the hormonal system, such as Addison's disease
• Gemoxromatoz (an excess of iron in the body)
• sun exposure
• Pregnancy (melasma, or pregnancy mask)
• Certain types birthmarks

Causes of hypopigmentation (lighting skins) relate:

• Dermatitis
• Some fungal infections (eg, chromophytosis)
• white lichen
• Vitiligo
• Taking certain medications
• Skin condition, called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, on exposed skin, e.g. on hand.
• Certain types of birthmarks

Home care for abnormally dark or light skin

Over-the-counter and prescription creams available for skin lightening. Hydroquinone in combination with Tretinoin is a pretty effective combination.. If you are using these creams, follow the instructions carefully and do not use them again 3 weeks in a row. Dark skin requires more caution when using these drugs. Cosmetics can also help mask unnatural skin color..

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Always use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Abnormally dark skin may persist even after treatment.

When to See a Doctor for Darkening or Lightening Skin

Make an appointment with a doctor, if you have:

• Sudden and rapid change in skin color, causing serious concern
• Persistent unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin
• Any skin ulcer or lesion, that changes shape, size or color and can be sign of skin cancer.

What will the doctor do when diagnosing the cause of darkening or lightening of the skin

The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about symptoms, including:

• When discoloration or darkening of the skin appears?
• Did it suddenly develop?
• Has it spread to other parts of the body??
• What medications do you take?
• Has anyone else in your family had a similar problem??
• How often do you get into the sun? Do you use a solarium??
• What is your diet?

What other symptoms do you have? For Example, whether there are rashes or skin lesions?

Tests, which may be prescribed by a doctor, include:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion stimulation test (ACTH)
• Skin biopsy
• Thyroid function studies
• Examination with a Woods lamp
• Candida albicans KOH test

The doctor may recommend creams, ointment, surgery or phototherapy, depending on the condition of your skin. Whitening creams can help lighten dark areas of the skin.

Some skin color changes may return to normal without treatment..

Used literature and sources

1. Chang MW. Disorders of hyperpigmentation. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 67.
2. Passeron T, Ortonne JP. Vitiligo and other disorders of hypopigmentation. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 66.