Skin Pigment Disorders You Need to Know

There are several skin pigment disorders that need to be known. Starting from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, vitiligo, to albinism.

When it comes to beauty, every human being has different skin colors. This is because human skin gets its color from the pigment (special cells in the skin) that make melanin.

However, if these cells are damaged or unhealthy, this condition can affect the production of melamine in the body. Well, the disturbed melamine production can make the skin color change. For example, if the body produces too much melanin, the skin will darken.

Conversely, if the body produces less melanin, the skin will look paler. This condition can be caused by many things, one of which is a pigmentation disorder that there are many types. So, what are the skin pigment disorders that need to be known? Come on, see the information here!
Some Skin Pigment Disorders

Starting from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, vitiligo, to albinism, the following is a description of these skin pigment disorders:

1. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or hypermelanosis, is a skin pigment disorder resulting from excessive melanin production following inflammation. This pigment disorder is characterized by changes in skin color to become lighter or darker after experiencing inflammation or irritation. Please note that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be triggered by several things. For example, such as burns, skin infections, to exposure to substances that are irritating to the skin.

2. Melasma
Melasma is a skin pigment disorder characterized by the appearance of black patches on body parts that are often exposed to sunlight. Examples include the skin of the neck, face, and hands. This condition is more common in women.

Especially pregnant women who experience hormonal changes in the body. The good news, this condition can disappear after the pregnancy is over or with treatment using a skin cream prescribed by a doctor. However, it is possible that men can also experience it.

3. Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes the skin to lose its color. This condition is characterized by the appearance of fine white areas (called macules if they are less than 5 mm in diameter or patches if they are 5 mm or larger), on a person’s skin. If you have patches of vitiligo where you have hair, the hair that grows in that area may also turn white.

Keep in mind that this condition occurs when melanocytes (skin cells that produce melanin, the chemical that gives skin its color, or pigmentation) are destroyed by the immune system. Generally, areas that are often affected by vitiligo disorders are parts that are often exposed to direct sunlight. The use of products that contain chemicals and are not suitable for the skin can also cause vitiligo on the skin.

4. Albinism
Albinism or albinism is a congenital condition caused by a genetic disorder that causes the body’s melanin cells to not function properly. As a result, people with this condition will have skin and hair that tends to be white. Please note that albinism cannot be cured, but people with it can still live normal daily lives. As long as people with this skin pigment disorder use sunscreen every day. This is because the skin with albinism is very sensitive and prone to sun damage.

Those are some skin pigment disorders that need to be known. Starting from melasma, vitiligo, to albinism. Most of these pigmentary disorders are serious and require proper treatment.

Therefore, it is important to get checked immediately if you see white or black patches on certain areas of the skin. It is intended that proper treatment can be carried out from this point on, so that the risk of lurking complications can be minimized.