Pigmentation means coloring. Skin pigmentation disorders affect the colour of your skin. Skin cells give your skin colour by making a substance called melanin. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it affects melanin production. Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body.

Abnormal skin pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation:
When a person is healthy, his or her skin will appear normal in colour. In the case of illness or injury, the person’s skin might change colour, becoming darker (hyperpigmentation), or lighter (hypopigmentation).

Birthmarks and other pigmentation disorders affect many people. One of the most common hyperpigmentary problems is Melasma which is a disorder treatable at Caci.

What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for colour (pigment). Certain conditions, such as pregnancy or Addison’s disease (decreased function of the adrenal gland), might cause a greater production of melanin and hyperpigmentation. Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of hyperpigmentation, and will darken already hyperpigmented areas. It is imperative to wear a sunscreen at all times with this condition.

Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by various drugs, including some antibiotics, amiodarone, chloroquine, and quinacrine.

An example of hyperpigmentation is melasma (also known as chloasma). This condition is characterized by tan or brown patches, most commonly on the face. Melasma can occur in pregnant women and is often called the "mask of pregnancy." (However, men can also develop this condition.) Melasma may go away after pregnancy or once discontinuing with birth control pills.

If you have melasma, try to limit your exposure to sunlight. Use a strong sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) at all times, because sunlight will worsen your condition. Sunblocks containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best.

Melasma is a skin condition presenting as brown patches on the face of adults. Both sides of the face are usually affected. The most common sites of involvement are the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, and upper lip.

Who gets melasma?
Melasma mostly occurs in women. Only 10% of those affected are men. Dark-skinned races, particularly Hispanics, Asians, Indians, people from the Middle East, and Northern Africa, tend to have melasma more than others.

What causes melasma?
The precise cause of melasma is unknown. People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop melasma themselves. A change in hormonal status may trigger melasma. It is commonly associated with pregnancy and called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy.” Birth control pills may also cause melasma, however, hormone replacement therapy used after menopause has not been shown to cause the condition.

Sun exposure contributes to melasma. Ultraviolet light from the sun, and even very strong light from light bulbs, can stimulate pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes in the skin. People with skin of colour have more active melanocytes than those with light skin. These melanocytes produce a large amount of pigment under normal conditions, but this production increases even further when stimulated by light exposure or an increase in hormone levels. Incidental exposure to the sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of melasma.

Any irritation of the skin may cause an increase in pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals, which may also worsen melasma. Melasma is not associated with any internal diseases or organ malfunction.

How is melasma diagnosed?
Because melasma is common, and has a characteristic appearance on the face, most patients can be diagnosed simply by a skin examination. Occasionally a skin biopsy is necessary to differentiate melasma from other conditions.

How is it treated?
Melasma may disappear after pregnancy, it may remain for many years, or a lifetime.

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and photo rejuvenation available at Caci Medispa can help melasma.

Pigmentation can be treated with Caci prescription creams, Clinical Formulations Hydroquinone. Remember to consult your Caci Skincare Consultant. If you have melasma, use a sunscreenat all times because sunlight will worsen your condition.

Sunscreens are essential in the treatment of melasma. They should be broad spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. A SPF 30 or higher should be selected. In addition, physical sunblock lotions and creams such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, may be used to block ultraviolet radiation and visible light. Sunscreens should be worn daily, whether or not it is sunny outside, or if you are outdoors or indoors. A significant amount of ultraviolet rays is received while walking down the street, driving in cars, and sitting next to windows.
 

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Plus - learn more about:

• Birthmarks
• Hypopigmentation