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Skin discolouration refers to changes in your skin's natural colour. These changes can appear as patches, spots, or widespread discolouration, and may vary in colour, including red, brown, purple, white, or a combination. Skin discolouration can occur anywhere on the body and often signals an underlying condition.
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Hyperpigmentation: Black discolouration of skin, or areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin, usually due to increased melanin production.
Hypopigmentation: Areas appear lighter than surrounding skin, indicating decreased melanin production.
Redness: This may be caused by inflammation, infection, or broken blood vessels.
Purple Discolouration: Often signals bruising or underlying vascular issues.
Skin Injuries: Bruises, burns, and scars can cause temporary discolouration.
Inflammation: Certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can lead to inflammation-related discolouration.
Sun Exposure: Excessive exposure can result in uneven pigmentation, sunspots, or darker patches.
Pigmentation Disorders: Conditions like melasma, vitiligo, or albinism affect melanin production, causing changes in pigmentation.
Infections: Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections may cause discoloured patches on the skin.
Birthmarks: Moles, port-wine stains, and other birthmarks may present as areas of discoloured skin.
Medical Conditions: Systemic conditions like Addison's disease, liver disease, or certain cancers may sometimes manifest with skin discolouration.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications can trigger discolouration as a side effect.
A doctor will assess your discolouration along with a thorough medical history, physical examination, and potentially some of the following tests:
Skin Biopsy: A small sample of skin is taken for analysis.
Blood Tests: May help identify underlying medical conditions.
Imaging Tests: Used in certain cases to investigate the extent of discolouration.
Wood's Lamp Examination: Uses UV light to visualise specific skin conditions.
Treatment for skin discolouration depends entirely on the underlying cause:
Topical medications: Creams or ointments for hyperpigmentation, infections, or inflammation.
Laser therapy: Can address hyperpigmentation and specific vascular lesions.
Skin camouflage/makeup: To visually conceal areas of discolouration.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for specific lesions or conditions.
Treatment of underlying medical conditions: This may be required in case discolouration is a symptom of a systemic disease.
Skin discolouration has a broad range of potential causes.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for persistent or concerning cases.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment and resolution of discolouration.
Consult a skin care doctor if you notice:
Sudden or widespread skin discoloration
Discoloration accompanied by pain, itching, blistering, or other concerning symptoms
Unexplained, persistent, or changing discolouration.
A history of medical conditions that can potentially cause skin discoloration
Skin discolouration can have various causes including inflammation, injury, sun exposure, pigmentation disorders, infection, medication or underlying medical conditions.
Yes, acne can cause temporary or sometimes permanent discolouration, especially if the lesions are inflamed or picked at.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause skin discolouration, such as melasma and linea nigra (Dark line down the abdomen).
The best treatment for skin discolouration depends entirely on the underlying cause. Do not self-diagnose. Consulting a doctor for diagnosis and personalised treatment is crucial for successful management.
