Pigmentation | Appearance | Causes |
Melasma![]() | Such pigmentation appears as a result of an overproduction
of melanin by your skin’s pigment cells. Genetics, exposure to the sun, as well as pregnancy or hormonal changes can trigger the growth of melasma. In the case of pregnancy, however, the melasma usually subsides by the end of the pregnancy. | |
Freckles![]() | Freckles are generally more common in people with fairer skin. | |
Age Spots![]() | Age spots can occur anywhere on the body, and vary in colour from tan-brown to black. | Age spots are generally caused by sun exposure, as well as
the process of aging itself. |
Hypopigmentation (Vitiligo) ![]() | This can culminate in vitiligo, a skin condition in which there is a loss of colour, resulting in irregular white patches on the skin. Vitiligo generally occurs on commonly exposed areas (such as the face, neck, nipples, navel, or genitalia), body folds (such as the armpits or groin), as well as sites of injury (such as areas with cuts, scrapes, or burns). | Hypopigmentation can be caused by diseases, burns, or trauma
to the skin. While the exact cause of vitiligo is not known, a possible cause could be due to the body’s immune system destroying the cells that form pigment in the skin. |
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation | Such discolouration often ranges from light brown to black in colour, and may become darker if exposed to sunlight. |
|
Poikiloderma of Civatte![]() | The skin in affected areas tends to be reddish-brown with prominent hair follicles. | There can be many varying causes, but the main contributing
factors are:
|
Pigmentation Type | Treatment Methods |
Melasma |
|
Freckles | |
Age Spots | |
Vitiligo | |
Hypopigmentation | |
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation | |
Poikiloderma of Civatte |