What causes discoloration of the skin?

Discolored skin patches also commonly develop in a certain part of the body due to a difference in melanin levels. Melanin is the substance that provides color to the skin and protects it from the sun. When there is an overproduction of melanin in a given area, it can result in skin discoloration there.

What diseases cause discoloration of skin?

Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body.

What does a discoloration of the skin mean?

Patches of discolored skin are common and have many different causes, including birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, rashes, and infections. Some causes are harmless, but others will require medical attention. Skin contains melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color.

Does discoloration in skin go away?

Does Skin Discoloration Go Away? It's possible for skin discoloration to go away on its own as long as the damage is shallow. A light sunburn will often fade away within a few weeks or months. However, deeper hyperpigmentation takes years to go away, if it dissipates at all.

What causes dark discoloration of the skin?

Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes. Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there.

Common causes of skin discoloration - Dr. Rasya Dixit

How do you fix skin discoloration?

Over-the-counter creams: Vitamin A cream or vitamin E cream can help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and boost overall skin health. Lemon juice: Apply lemon juice twice per day to lighten skin areas that have darkened. This may reduce the appearance of discolored skin patches in six to eight weeks.

What is the best treatment for skin discoloration?

Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.

Does thyroid cause skin discoloration?

Lumps on discolored skin that feel hard and waxy can be a sign of thyroid disease.

What food causes skin pigmentation?

Some foods contain chemical hormones that can aggravate hormone-triggered hyperpigmentation. Examples of foods that contain potentially hyperpigmentation-causing hormones are soy products, black beans, flaxseed and chickpeas, all of which contain estrogen.

Why am I getting brown patches on my skin?

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.

What are the 10 most common skin disorders?

Is skin discoloration a autoimmune disease?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes your skin to lose color, often resulting in white patches on your skin that cover both sides of your body.

Can hormones cause skin discoloration?

The Hormonal One: MELASMA

It's caused by hormone imbalances and is why expectant mothers, and women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy typically have brown or tan patches on their faces. Couple this surge in hormones with sun exposure and it's hello melasma, bye-bye to that perfectly even skin tone.

Can drinking water reduce pigmentation?

Drink enough water

The benefits of staying hydrated are too many. Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively.

Which cream is best for pigmentation?

Which fruit is good for skin pigmentation?

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and lemon are all packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin A which helps destroy free radicals in your body, assist with melanin production and can help to fight discolouration in your skin.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

Can hypothyroidism cause skin darkening?

In hypothyroidism, the skin tends to be pale both because of the dermal mucopolysaccharides and dermal water content. In addition, increased dermal carotene may appear as a prominent yellow hue on the palms, soles and nasolabial folds.

What does a thyroid rash look like?

Some people with hyperthyroidism develop a rare skin rash called pretibial myxedema (thyroid dermopathy). The rash is characterized by red, swollen skin and commonly appears on the shins and tops of feet.

What are some home remedies to get rid of discoloration?

How long does it take for skin discoloration to fade?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.

What do dermatologists prescribe for hyperpigmentation?

HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone is the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation in dermatology. Its effectiveness and safety is so well-documented in clinical studies that almost all dermatology providers will recommend 4% hydroquinone as a first step for anyone with significant pigment concerns.

How do I get my original skin color back?

Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation?

It helps fade hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.

Can low estrogen cause hyperpigmentation?

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin. Generally, the changes happen in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle when the serum levels of sex hormones are at their peak.