They are a common problem with a wide array of potential causes. I forgot to add i am 25 yr old female very light skinned and the patch sizes are anywhere from pencil eraser size to dime size. Albinism, an inherited disorder, is caused by the absence of the pigment melanin, and results in no pigmentation in the skin, hair, or eyes. Oral pigmentation causes of discoloration inside mouth. This skin discoloration issue occurs due to hormonal changes, excess sweating, hot weather, oily skin and weakened immune system. Sun damage this is the most common cause of skin discoloration on the face. Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. Albinism is an extreme form of skin pigment discoloration and more specifically hypopigmentation, that causes the partial or complete loss of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes due to a lack or absence of tyrosinase, the enzyme essential in the production of melanin. Minor skin problems that could signal serious conditions. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. In this case, it sounds like your patch of discolored skin is actually growing on you stomach. If you have an uneven skin tone with dark patches, here are the possible causes. Any location on the body can be affected, and most people with vitiligo have white patches on many areas. Hypopigmentation in skin is the result of a reduction in melanin production.
However, these dark skin patches are trying to tell you something. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small. Description people of all races have skin pigmentation disorders. Your kittys skin color can shift over time, which is an inherited trait for some cats. Similar lesions are seen with users of tooth pastes containing charcoal or certain home remedy mouth rinses.
There are many things that can cause skin discoloration on the face, most of which are minor. Though you can cover up skin discoloration on other parts of your body, thats not possible. Being informed can help you figure out whats going on and how to proceed. When the skin is exposed to the ultra violet uv rays of the sun, it.
Age spots, or sun spots, are small patches of skin discoloration caused by years of sun exposure. Albinos have an abnormal gene that restricts the production of melanin. Incorporate antioxidants into your skin care routine. Other immune system diseases associated with vitiligo include diabetes, pernicious anemia, thyroid disease, and addisons disease. Maybe you were born with freckles, dark spots, or white patches. For example, bruises and varicose veins can appear blue in color. Skin discoloration can be the result of an injury, infection or imbalance in pigmentationregulating substances in the body. Hyperpigmentation is a particular condition of the skin that causes the darkening of certain areas of skin. Discolorations include patches of redness, birthmarks or unexpected shifts in skin pigmentation. Skin discoloration is one of the most frustrating and confusing skin conditions, primarily because there are so many factors that can cause discolored skin patches. Although the name sounds scary, this is a self limiting problem and causes no difficulty apart from the temporary cosmetic impairment. Skin discoloration is a common skin problem, and this can come in the form of white spots, dark spots or other changes in skin color.
Venous stasis dermatitis can occur even if there are no visible varicose veins and is typically prevalent in people older than 50 years of age. This skin discoloration due to pcos can occur almost anywhere on the body, though they are more commonly seen in skin folds. Melanin is the substance that provides color to the skin and protects it from the. May 17, 2019 what causes skin discoloration on legs. Skin discoloration can be the result of an injury, infection or imbalance in. The amount of melanin is determined by constitutional colour white, brown or black skin and skin phototype, i. Reduction in melanin results in pale patches hypopigmentation or hypomelanosis or white patches leucoderma. This is by far the most common reason for white patches on the face. It can affect men and women of all ages, and can sometimes be an indicator of other health complications. Could it be the material my bra is made of, or something about my diet. Longterm vegans, for instance, may lack vitamin b12 which can lead to serious neurological problems along with unexplained white patches on skin. Skin discoloration is probably one of the top reasons why an individual can look much older than his or her real age. Apr 24, 2018 acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes a dark discoloration in body folds and creases.
Skin discoloration, a change in the color of the skin, is caused due to health problems andor side effects of medications. Discolored skin patches are irregular areas where there are changes in skin color. Skin pigmentation disorders definition of skin pigmentation. As the yellow pigment accumulates in the body, it causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow. You have a patch of dry skin that moisturizer wont fix.
Discolored patches on the skin are a common occurrence that most people will experience at some point in their lives. Sometimes, that greenish, yellowish patch on your skin from a cut a few days ago is simply a result of bacterial infection. Jan 12, 2015 reasons for white skin patches in children. It is primarily caused by the overproduction of melanin a skin pigment. Vitiligo causes smooth, white skin patches, usually around the mouth and eyes, or on the back of. Visually displeasing, sometimes this pcos skin discoloration and skin tags can be overlooked, especially if they occur on parts of the body that remain mostly covered by clothes. Definition skin pigmentation disorders are conditions that cause the skin to appear lighter or darker than normal, or blotchy and discolored. With skin cancer awareness on the rise, its good to be vigilant, but you dont want to fret over every little mole or patch. Even vitamin deficiency can cause unsightly white patches. Skin discoloration on the legs, ankles, and feet may be caused by hemosiderin staining, a brownish pigment that is caused by the breakdown of hemoglobin. This condition is quite common in both genders belonging to any of the ethnic group especially in the ethnicities with light complexions. From birthmarks to skin conditions we develop later in life, skin pigmentation depends on a variety of factors and. Acanthosis nigricans symptoms and causes mayo clinic.
As a result, these pigments cause the skin to assume a darker color. Or perhaps your skin became discolored from spending too much time in the sun. In fact, the skin provides important clues to a persons overall health. The skin may remain discolored even after a few months of the elimination of this allergic reaction. Jaundice of the skin occurs most frequently for infants during. Vitiligo is a condition where the bodys immune system attacks pigment cells melanocytes, causing pigment loss.
Blue colored skin, bruising or discoloration, numbness or tingling and pain or discomfort. Check with your skin doctor first about using such products. Increase in melanin hyperpigmentation or hypermelanosis can be due to an increased number of pigment cells melanocytes or from increased production of melanin. Cyanosis is a bluishgray tint to the skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Read about the basics of skin pigmentation and take a look at some of its common causes to understand. The condition is commonly referred as graphite tattoos.
However, if youve got a single white patch on skin that tends to enlarge or in case you begin to acquire additional white spots anywhere on your body, consult a dermatologist. However, ignoring changes in skin color isnt the solution. Sometimes a small area of skin becomes irritated or develops mild eczema, which results in a patch of skin thats lighter in. Sometimes people even refer to melasma as the mask of pregnancy. As with any new concerning medical symptom, you should make an appointment to see your primary. Azelaic acid cream appears to work by slowing down or stopping the production of pigment, the substance that makes the skin darker. Harvard trained vein doctor what is skin discoloration on. Venous stasis dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the lower extremities.
Vitiligo is a condition in which white patches develop on the skin. Melasma, sometimes also called chloasma, is a skin pigment discoloration condition where tan or brown patches appear on the body, typically on the face. Hyperpigmentation is a relatively harmless condition that occurs when the body produces excess melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The discoloration is a focal gray to black colored patch of discolored mucosa.
The content on this site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. Read on to know more about its different types and associated symptoms. If you cannot relate your abdominal skin discoloration to a simple and harmless cause, seek medical attention to ensure proper treatment. The skin beneath them is becoming slowly discolored, and i dont know why. Follow the instructions on the package about how to use such products. These discolored patches or spots on skin can be relieved through medications. This discoloration usually disappears by age 4 and does not need to be. Certain medications and diseases can continue reading how to get rid of skin. The pigment change can happen all over or just in spots. Sometimes a small area of skin becomes irritated or develops mild eczema, which results in a patch of skin thats lighter in pigment than is the skin around it pityriasis alba. Since oxygenpoor blood is bluishred in color, any situation or condition that deprives the airways or blood or vital oxygen can cause this skin discoloration, and impact either localized areas or the entire body. Hyperpigmentation american osteopathic college of dermatology.
Webmd symptom checker helps you find the most common medical conditions indicated by the symptoms blue colored skin, bruising or discoloration, numbness or tingling and pain or discomfort including peripheral neuropathy, bruise or contusion, and hematoma. Find out more from cleveland clinic about the different types of birthmarks and other skin. Patches of discolored skin are common and have many different causes, including birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, rashes, and infections. The discoloration you are describing is very common, especially among women with large breasts. Patches of discolored skin have many possible causes, including birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, rashes, infections, and skin cancer. Skin discoloration in children manifests in several forms and has a number of possible causes. While these pcos skin patches may look unaesthetic, they rarely cause any symptoms beyond the skin.
Skin discoloration can be an embarrassing cosmetic concern, especially if it occurs on your face. Hyperpigmentation in skin is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color pigment. You may use lotions that bleach or lighten the skin to reduce discoloration or to even the skin tone where hyperpigmented areas are large or very noticeable. Prolonged sun exposure causes changes in the pigment of your skin, leading to brown spots and dark spots. As excess melanin accumulates in the body, it often forms small deposits directly. Mar 04, 2020 this makes the melasma patch fade more quickly as the pigmented cells are shed. Numerous health conditions can change the color, texture or appearance of skin, but often do so gradually. The suns uv rays can permanently damage skin cells, resulting.
If you have a skin discoloration problem, you need to understand what causes skin discoloration on face, in order to successfully treat it. Many people with this condition simply cover up and go on with their daily routine. It can also suggest that theres something wrong with the lungs, heart, or circulatory system. Chemical peels are liquid solutions applied to the skin to provide a mild chemical burn, similar to sunburn. I have developed patches on my skin around my chest cleavage area that are sometimes barely noticeable and sometimes very dark pink. These birthmarks appear bruised or bluish in color and usually develop on the back or buttocks of babies. It is caused by the buildup of fluid due to varicose veins, circulation issues or heart disease. Some causes are harmless, but others will require medical. Viral infections may also cause rashes on the skin. White patches that develop on many areas of ones skin are usually caused by vitiligo. If your abdominal skin has a yellow discoloration unrelated to a bruise, consult a physician. Blue colored skin, bruising or discoloration, numbness or.
This type of skin discoloration is caused due to loss of skin pigment, melanin. Sep 23, 2018 the discoloration is a focal gray to black colored patch of discolored mucosa. Be sure to see the doctor as soon as possible, as skin infections can be easily treatable in its initial stages. What causes white patches on skin apart from the mentioned skin conditions. The color of skin is determined by the amount of melanin pigment secreted and blood flow. If youve been religiously using moisturizer on rough, scaly patches on your skin for more than a month or so without. Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes areas of lightcolored skin. When the skin is exposed to the ultra violet uv rays of the sun. Use sunscreen to prevent new discolored skin patches. If you treat a skin condition like acne or psoriasis so that you stop the flareups or breakouts, youll eliminate whats causing the discoloration. See dermnets article on pigmentation disorders for more details. Similar lesions are seen with users of tooth pastes containing charcoal or certain home remedy mouth rinses or throat gargles.
Most patches of discoloration, especially if they are not raised off the skin, turn out to be a skin fungal infection known as tinea versicolor. Some disorders, like albinism which affects one out of every 17,000 people are rare. Whether you have brown spots, age spots or freckles, there are treatments that can clear up your skin and give you an even complexion. However, changing skin color can also signify some serious health problems, so always get it checked out by your vet. When skin discoloration occurs suddenly, its important to take notice, as some of the reasons for these color changes are quite serious. The colour of skin and hair is mainly due to the amount of brown melanin pigment mixed with blue from reduced haemoglobin, red from oxyhaemoglobin and yellow from carotenoids in the diet. Many conditions can cause your skin to have a bluish tint. However, skin discoloration and other rashes may be the first sign of a more serious condition such as a weakened immune system or systemic disease such as cancer or bacterial infection, so you should be evaluated by your physician to make sure this. Apr 15, 2016 discolored skin patches also commonly develop in a certain part of the body due to a difference in melanin levels. Depending upon the color of skin developed, skin discoloration can be of many types. Poor circulation or inadequate oxygen levels in your blood stream can. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease.
A visual guide to 6 conditions that cause skin discoloration nih. According to the american academy of dermatology, melasma is much more common in women90 percent of the cases occur in womenand it often occurs during pregnancy. Skin discoloration can be triggered by a number of causes, including. An effective way to get rid of skin discoloration on face is. Cyanosis is a bluish tint that your skin can develop if your body isnt getting enough oxygen. First, you need to know how your skin gets its normal color. The 5 best new skincare products for scars and discoloration. If you discover a discolored patch of skin on your body, should you be worried.
Generally, a white patch on skin isnt cause for concern. Oct 10, 2019 these dark, brown, velvety skin patches are medically known as acanthosis nigricans. Hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and your skin webmd. Vitiligo is a condition characterized by the loss of skin pigment called melanin, which is normally produced by cells called melanocytes. The spots often start as slightly red, scaly patches on the face. Skin discoloration in children is not lifethreatening. In some cases, normal skin color returns on its own. Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. Aug 28, 2019 generally, a white patch on skin isnt cause for concern.
Reasons for white skin patches in children healthy living. Discoloration is caused by the destruction of the melanocytes, but the exact cause is not known. Shorts, capris, and skirts are all popular choices for staying cool in the summer months, but skin discoloration on legs can make you selfconscious. Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown patches, most often on the face.
257 1354 1513 1563 1337 1096 10 768 660 1016 1230 910 555 1235 498 325 1013 1296 1306 1122 1506 320 194 1546 1139 1371 975 1442 829 527 345 741 907 363 133 274 1134