Pigmentation and Melasma Treatment in Kothrud Pune

At LASER SKIN CLINIC, we believe Every natural skin color is absolutely beautiful !

Natural skin color is genetically determined with some influence by the environmental factors. We don’t believe in ‘skin fairness treatment’, what we treat is abnormal pigmentation which is causing tanning or excess pigment deposition in skin layers making it abnormally dark. This gives you blemish free, well hydrated and healthy looking skin thus improving all the aspects of beautiful skin.

Skin pigmentation (coloration) disorders affect many people. Some of the most common problems are listed below. If you think you have one of these pigmentation abnormalities, be sure to see a dermatologist to receive an official diagnosis.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. This can make spots or patches on skin which appear darker than surrounding areas. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition. It affects people of all skin types.

Some forms of hyperpigmentation, including melasma and sun spots, are more likely to affect areas of skin that face sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs. Other types of hyperpigmentation form after an injury or skin inflammation, such as cuts, burns, pimples or sun allergy, etc These can occur anywhere on the body. Having extra pigment in some areas of skin is usually harmless but can sometimes indicate another medical condition.

What causes Hyperpigmentation?

Age spots, also called liver spots or solar lentigines, freckles, DPNBrown, tan, or black spots that appear on skin with sun overexposureThey commonly appear on the face and hands, or on sun-exposed areas of the bodyAge spots usually appear on older adults or after extended sun exposureMelasma, also called chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”Large patches of darkened skinThey often appear on the forehead, face, and nose.Women, people who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, men also do get Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentationSpots or patches of darkened skin that appear after an inflammatory skin condition, such as acne or eczema or any skin damageThey usually appear on the any part of bodyPeople who have had inflammation or an injury to the skin

The cause of hyperpigmentation depends on the type. The most common causes of hyperpigmentation are:

Sun exposure

The body produces more melanin to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. This can cause dark spots or patches on the skin called age spots or sun spots, freckles, lentigenes If you have had a skin infection, blisters, burns, or other trauma to your skin, you may have a decrease or increase of pigmentation in the affected area

Skin inflammation

Areas of skin can darken after people have had inflammation of the skin. This can include acne, eczema, lupus, psoriasis, skin infections or an injury to the skin. People with darker skin are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Reactions to drug use

Certain medications, such as antimalarial drugs and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause hyperpigmentation. In these cases, patches of skin may turn gray. Chemicals in topical treatments can also sometimes cause hyperpigmentation/ RIELHS MELANOSIS

Melasma

Melasma (also known as chloasma) is marked by tan or brown patches that may appear on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin. Although this condition is often called the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop it. It may also occur in women who are taking birth control pills or postmenopausal estrogen. Melasma may go away after pregnancy, but if it remains, it can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over-the-counter skin care products. In addition, lasers that target pigment can be helpful. Remember to consult your dermatologist for a proper diagnosis of this condition before you choose to treat it yourself. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight will make the condition worse.

Pigmented birthmarks

• Nevus of Ota

This birthmark is marked by bluish or grayish discoloration of the face and sometimes the white part of the eye (sclera). The discoloration is caused by increased amounts of the pigment (melanin) and the cells that produce this pigment (melanocytes) in and around the eyes. Potential treatments for this skin discoloration include topical (applied on the skin) bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, and laser treatments.

Medical conditions

Addisonian disease, Vit B 12 deficiency, early diabetes changes can lead to pigmentation (ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS) at specific site like knuckles, nape of neck, under arms, palmar crease etc

How to get rid of hyperpigmentation

There are a range of possible treatment methods and prevention methods to prevent hyperpigmentation, or to stop it becoming more prominent:

• Avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin and stop hyperpigmentation from becoming darker.

• Avoid picking at the skin. To prevent hyperpigmentation from forming after an injury, avoid picking at spots, scabs, and acne.

• Treating underlying deficiencies or medical condition

Topical creams

Dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis and may treat you with..

Topical treatments will include ingredients that lighten the skin, such as:

• azelaic acid

• corticosteroids

• hydroquinone

• kojic acid

• retinoids

• vitamin C

But always consult dermatologist before starting these creams for your hyperpigmentation

Treatments

Some procedures can also lighten areas of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Cosmetic procedures for hyperpigmentation include:

• laser therapy

• intense pulsed light

• chemical peels

• microdermabrasion

• mesoglow

People who are considering undergoing one of these procedures should discuss the process and possible side effects with a skin care specialist, or dermatologist.