Everyone wants clear skin, but cannot take care of their skin because of their busy schedules. This can increase the risk of getting many skin-related problems, and one of these is skin pigmentation. Earlier it was believed that pigmentation occurs only with increasing age. Still, due to today's run-of-the-mill life, pollution, and lack of nutrients in food, the problem of skin pigmentation has started at a young age. People go for many home remedies and tricks to get rid of this. Some of these methods are beneficial, while some prove to be ineffective, as pigmented cells are present inside the top skin layer and can only be treated or removed with the help of dermatological treatments. Women resort to makeup to hide facial spots and pigmentation, but none is a permanent solution for this problem.

In this article, Dr. Keerthana Kalva, the best skin doctor in Hyderabad at Inform Clinics, will answer questions about the causes of pigmentation and how to treat it medically.

What is Skin Pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation is a type of unwanted discolouring or darkening of the skin. Melanocytes are a type of cell that produces a pigment known as melanin. This production of this pigment decides the colour of the skin. If the production of melanin is higher, the colour of the skin will be darker and vice versa. This is not a cause for concern and isn't harmful (but it is a cosmetic concern for many).

In some cases, when these cells get damaged, the production of melanin is affected. This condition is known as hyperpigmentation. It may lead to dark patches, spots or freckles on certain parts or all over the body. This condition is not a disease in itself, but in some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying disease, and thus it is advised to consult a skin specialist for hyper-pigmentation.

Types of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is basically of three types, which are described below.

• Melasma: Melasma is a skin disorder that develops patches and spots darker than the natural skin tone, typically on the face. While it may appear on the body, melasma generally appears around the cheeks, forehead, chin, and even above the upper lip. Melasma is common in women and develops around pregnancy or when they take birth control pills. It may disappear after childbirth or when they stop taking contraceptives.
  

• Sunspots: These spots develop due to overexposure to the Sun. They usually develop around areas exposed to the Sun, like the face, neck, hands, shoulders, and others. They are common in old age and are also known as age spots, liver spots and solar lentigines.
  

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This type of hyperpigmentation occurs due to a skin condition like eczema, injury, acne or inflammation. It can happen anywhere on the body.
  

• Freckles: Freckles are one of the most common types of pigmentation. They appear as tiny spots after repeated exposure to the Sun and are common among people with light skin shade. In most cases, genetic factors cause them.

Causes of Pigmentation

• Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the hormone level in the body, which causes increased melanin synthesis. Both internal and external factors can cause an increase in melanin production, which can lead to skin pigmentation disorders.
  

• Several medications can result in hyperpigmentation. In addition, some chemotherapy drugs can also cause hyperpigmentation. Excessive sun exposure can also increase melanin levels.
  

• Apart from this, pregnancy alters hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women.
  

• Addison's disease, a rare endocrine disease, can cause hyperpigmentation. It is most visible in areas of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and hands, and in areas of friction, such as the elbows and knees.

One can consult a skin doctor like Dr. Keerthana Kalva, an expert skin doctor for pigmentation treatment in Hyderabad.

How to Treat Pigmentation?

Pigmentation can be treated by managing melanin production in the body. There are several ways to manage it. Below mentioned are the most effective methods to treat pigmentation:

• Laser Treatment: Laser therapy is a treatment that uses laser light to target damaged colour cells without harming healthy cells. This is used to treat sunspots and freckles.
  

• Mesotherapy: This is a non-surgical treatment to get rid of the condition. This treatment uses microneedles to inject essential serums and facial acids that can reduce pigmentation. These also help in keeping the skin healthy and young.
  

• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are cosmetic procedures often used to enhance the appearance of the skin. The procedure involves applying chemical solutions to the pigmented area. These solutions are exfoliators that can peel off the pigmented skin to provide smoother, younger-looking skin.
  

• Intense Pulsed Light: Intense pulsed light is a type of light therapy that is used to treat spots and wrinkles. It uses light just like laser therapy. However, unlike laser treatment, IPL uses multiple wavelengths that penetrate deep into the skin to provide dramatic results.

Skin pigmentation is very common these days, and though it is not harmful, it can lead to low self-confidence. With proper treatment and therapy, one can easily achieve beautiful skin. Dr. Keethana Kalva, the Best dermatologist in Hyderabad, uses the most advanced technology to provide the most successful sessions. For appointments, visit Dr. Keethana Kalva today at Inform Clinics.