The sun is the most common cause of pigmentation spots mmc996 singapore. Pigment spots often arise in places where your skin often comes into contact with sunlight. But did you know that you can also get pigmentation by swallowing the contraceptive pill? We tell you everything you didn’t know yet, but you should know about pigmentation spots.
What are pigmentation spots?
Pigmented spots (or hyperpigmentation) are irregular spots on the skin. Pigment spots are often colored light brown to black, but they can also be white in color. We call this vitiligo. Pigment spots are almost always harmless. Do you notice a change in size or color? Or do you get itchy? Then consult your doctor.
How do pigmentation spots occur?
Pigmented spots are caused by an excessive production of melanin. Melanin is made by pigment cells and adds color to your hair, skin and eyes. In addition, melanin protects your skin against UV radiation and melanin ensures that your skin tans in the sun. Melanin production can be stimulated by:
- Sunlight
- Hormones
- Skin damage
- Diseases and medicines
Pigmentation spots from sunlight
The most common cause of pigmentation spots is (excessive) exposure of your skin to the sun. The production of melanin is stimulated by sunlight. Pigment spots often arise in places where your skin regularly comes into contact with sunlight, for example in your face, neck and hands. The more you expose your skin to the sun, the greater the chance of pigmentation. Pigmentation spots are also called age spots, because someone’s skin has been in contact with the sun much more often.
Pigmented spots due to hormones (for example during pregnancy)
Do you take the contraceptive pill? About one in three women who take the contraceptive pill will suffer from pigmentation. Certain hormones stimulate the production of melanin. You can also suffer from pigmentation spots during your pregnancy. Then there are large fluctuations in your hormone balance. We call pigment spots that arise during your pregnancy as a pregnancy mask . In women with a dark skin color, the pigment spots are often lighter than their own skin color. Are you pregnant and do you suffer from pigmentation spots? Don’t panic: these often disappear after you give birth. However, there is a good chance that you will experience pigment spots again on your next pregnancy.
Pigmented spots due to skin damage
Melanin production can be triggered if your skin becomes inflamed or damaged. We refer to pigment spots that arise as a result of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Your skin can be inflamed or damaged by conditions such as acne , eczema or psoriasis, but also by cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels and laser treatments.
Do you suffer from skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis? Then consult your doctor.
Pigmented spots from diseases and medicines
Pigmented spots can also result from certain diseases, such as Addison’s disease (a hormone disorder of the adrenal glands) or hemosiderosis (a condition in which your body retains too much iron). In addition, the use of certain medicines, for example antibiotics, chemotherapy and medicines against malaria and epilepsy, can promote the development of pigmentation spots.
White pigmentation spots
Where brown or black pigmentation spots are caused by an excess of melanin, white pigmentation spots are caused by a shortage of melanin. We call this vitiligo. Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that can arise just like that and cannot be cured. There are treatment methods such as light therapy that counteract pigment loss or that stimulate the production of pigment.
Do you suffer from white pigmentation? Then consult your doctor.
How can you remove pigmentation spots?
Do you want to have your pigment spots removed? This can be done by means of a cosmetic treatment, such as a chemical peel or a laser treatment. Such a treatment is quite expensive and not so nice for your skin.
