Pigment disorders refer to conditions that affect the natural coloration of the skin, leading to areas of increased (hyperpigmentation) or decreased (hypopigmentation) pigmentation. These changes occur when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, are overactive, underactive, or damaged. Pigment disorders can impact a person’s appearance, confidence, and, in some cases, skin health.
Types of Pigment Disorders
Hyperpigmentation (increase in pigmentation):
- Melasma: Symmetrical, brown or greyish patches often triggered by hormonal changes and sun exposure.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Darkened areas that develop after skin injury or inflammation, such as acne, eczema & certain skin treatments.
- Lentigines (Age Spots): Small, flat, dark spots often caused by chronic sun exposure.
Hypopigmentation (decrease in pigmentation):
- Vitiligo: Irregular white patches caused by the loss of melanocytes, often linked to autoimmune factors.
- Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation: Loss of pigment following skin trauma, burns, or certain skin treatments.
- Albinism: A genetic condition resulting in little or no melanin production, affecting skin, hair, and eye pigmentation.
Other Pigment Disorders:
- Freckles: Small, concentrated areas of pigmentation often genetic and exacerbated by sun exposure.
- Tinea Versicolor: A fungal infection causing patches of lighter or darker skin.
Causes of Pigment Disorders
- Genetic Factors: Conditions like vitiligo and albinism often have a genetic component.
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation stimulates melanin production, contributing to hyperpigmentation.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormonal imbalances can trigger melasma.
- Skin Damage or Inflammation: Injury, acne, eczema, or infections can disrupt normal pigment production.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like vitiligo occur when the immune system targets melanocytes.
- Fungal Infections: Tinea versicolor disrupts normal pigmentation due to fungal overgrowth.
Treatment Recommendations
At-Home Care
- Sun Protection: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 50 or higher) to prevent worsening of pigmentation.
- Gentle Skincare: Use mild, non-irritating cleansers and moisturisers to support skin health.
- Over-the-Counter Products: Ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, AHA’s/BHA’s, tranexamic acid may help improve hyperpigmented areas.
Professional Treatments
- Topical Medications: Prescription creams with hydroquinone, retinoids, or corticosteroids can lighten hyperpigmentation.
- Chemical Peels: Help reduce hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin’s surface layers.
- Laser and Light Therapy: Intense pulsed light (IPL) (CANDELA NORDLYS IPL) or pigment-targeting lasers (CANDELA PICOWAY, LUTRONIC ULTRA 1927, CANDELA NORDLYS 1940) effectively treat hyperpigmentation, lentigines, and melasma.
- Radio Frequency (RF) Microneedling (CANDELA MATRIX): Promotes collagen production and even skin tone.
- Depigmentation Therapy: For extensive vitiligo, depigmentation of unaffected areas may be considered.
- Systemic Treatments: In some cases, oral medications like antifungals (for tinea versicolor) or systemic immunosuppressants (for vitiligo) may be prescribed.
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
- Avoid triggers like unprotected sun exposure and irritants.
- Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support skin health.
- Manage stress, which can exacerbate certain pigment disorders.
Ongoing Care
Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and prevent recurrences. Pigment disorders often require a combination of treatments and long-term maintenance to achieve and sustain results.
For personalised advice and treatment options, organise a referral from your GP to streamline a consultation with our dermatology team today. We are here to help you achieve healthier, more even-toned skin.
