Skin discoloration can occur for many reasons, and it can be a mild condition that doesn’t require worry, or it can be an indication of a serious issue.

Skin discoloration

Skin discoloration is a condition that causes the skin to have a different color from the normal one, and this change in the skin color differs between people and their skin tone.

The skin color, as well as the color of the hair and eyes, comes from the melanin, and anything that affects its production leads to skin pigmentation disorder. If the production of melanin increased, this would cause the skin to be darker, and vice versa.

Causes of skin discoloration

• Birthmarks: these are areas of discolored skin that appear at birth or soon after it, and they may fade with time or stay forever. Not all birthmarks are caused by irregular melanin production; some of them occur due to irregular blood vessels.
• Moles: these are black or brown growths that manifest as oval or circular spots on the skin. They can change their look with time, and they can disappear as well. Moles can transform into skin cancer; therefore, it’s critical to notice them and seek medical help when noticing any changes.
• Skin rashes and infections, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, contact dermatitis, ringworm, and tinea versicolor.
• Skin conditions, such as vitiligo, melasma, albinism (decreased melanin levels in the skin), and age spots (they usually manifest after sun exposure).
• Skin cancers, which typically develop on the face, neck, arms, and hands as a result of sun exposure. The cancer may start as rough and scaly patches, lumps or bumps that are itchy, red, or bleed, recurrent red bumps or scaly patches that bleed and heal, and melanoma, which develops from existing moles or new ones.
• Certain health conditions can cause skin discoloration, such as inflammation (like burns, trauma, sun exposure, and blisters), lupus, Addison’s disease, and diabetes rash.

Diagnosis of skin discoloration

• Physical exam.
• A biopsy.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of skin discoloration

• Treating skin discoloration depends on the cause.
• The risk of certain types of skin pigment disorders can be reduced by constantly applying sunscreen when going out, avoiding sun exposure when the rays are strong, wearing loose and comfortable clothes when going outdoors, and avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps.