Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSun SpotsVitiligoBirthmarksInjury or TraumaMelasmaTinea VersicolorAddison’s DiseaseDermatitisRosaceaPsoriasisSkin CancerHome Remedies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Sun Spots
Vitiligo
Birthmarks
Injury or Trauma
Melasma
Tinea Versicolor
Addison’s Disease
Dermatitis
Rosacea
Psoriasis
Skin Cancer
Home Remedies
Skin discoloration can affect large or small patches of skin. It can be a natural part of aging or the sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Certain health conditions can cause changes to a person’s skin color such as hypopigmentation, which is the whitening or lightening of the skin, orhyperpigmentation, the darkening of the skin.
Treatments can vary from the topical creams used to get rid of discoloration common with age spots, or the light-basedphototherapyused to treat dermatitis, to surgeries used to improve the white skin patches ofvitiligo.
This article explains the different types of skin discoloration, including melasma, rosacea, and skin cancer. It also details different skin discoloration treatments and when to see a dermatologist about skin discoloration.
CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Age spots appear whenmelanin, which gives the skin its color, becomes clumped in the skin or is produced in high concentrations, like when the skin is exposed to a lot of ultraviolet light.
Dark Spots: Causes and Ways to Get Rid of Them
Signs and Symptoms
Sunspots mostly appear in adults aged 50 or over. The main symptoms of sunspots include:
Treatment
Skin discoloration from age spots is not likely to fade with time. Age spots are not harmful, but some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Treatments can include the following:
Over-the-counter fade creams and lotions can also be used to lighten age spots and even out skin discoloration.
Everything You Need to Know About Laser Skin Resurfacing
Westend61 / Getty Images
Vitiligois a chronic skin condition that presents with pale white patches on various areas of the skin. Vitiligo often causes white patches on the face, neck, hands, and creases of the skin. The condition occurs when melanin cells die or stop functioning. It is considered an autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body.
There are several forms of vitiligo, including generalized vitiligo and segmental vitiligo. Variations in over 30 genes, occurring in different combinations, have been associated with an increased risk of vitiligo. Vitiligo is a common disorder, affecting between 0.5% and 1% of the population worldwide.
The mainsymptoms of vitiligoare white patches on the face, in the mouth, eyes, fingers, wrists, armpits, groin, genitals, and inside the mouth. It can also occur on the scalp, and can lead to patches of gray or white hair.
The skin patches that vitiligo causes are not harmful, but some people may decide to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Some treatment options for vitiligo include the following:
Note that treatments available will not be able to stop the condition from spreading to other parts of the body.
7 Rare Skin Diseases
Vadym Plysiuk / Getty Images
Birthmarksare discolored parts of the skin that can be found at birth. Sometimes, birthmarks begin to fade as a person ages, but they may become more visible with age.
The cause is thought to be an overabundance of pigment-producing cells (pigmented birthmarks) or blood vessels (vascular birthmarks). There are many different types of birthmarks, including strawberry hemangioma, deep hemangioma, salmon patch, and moles.
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Birthmarks can be of many different colors, from tan to brown, gray to black, or even blue. They can also come in different shapes, sizes, and consistencies, depending on the type of birthmark. For example, a strawberry hemangioma birthmark usually looks like a strawberry-colored lump that feels firm and rubbery while a deep hemangioma birthmark looks like a lump that sits deep in the skin.
Most birthmarks are not likely to pose any health risks, but some may cause a problem later. For example, if a mole birthmark begins to change, it may indicate skin cancer and need to be surgically removed.
Treatments are typically only used for cosmetic reasons and include:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoChokchai Silarug / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Chokchai Silarug / Getty Images
Typical signs of sunburn include:
The symptoms of burns include:
Rashes will often present with symptoms such as:
Wounds will vary in appearance throughout the healing process. Factors that affect skin appearance include the type of wound, where it is on the body, and how well it was cared for.
Different types of scars will present with different symptoms, including:
What Is a Hypertrophic Scar
The treatment of an injury-related skin discoloration will vary depending on the injury. For sunburns, healing typically occurs on its own over time. Aloe vera can be used to help relieve symptoms of pain during the healing process.
Treatment for burns include:
Rashes usually heal on their own. A visit with your healthcare provider will help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment. Wound treatment will also depend on the type and will generally include pain medications.
13 Pictures of Common Skin Rashes
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Also known aschloasma,melasmapresents with dark, uneven, andblotchy skinin areas that are exposed to sunlight most often. The condition is not life-threatening, although the brown or gray patches it causes, usually on the face, can be difficult to cope with.
Skin discoloration from melasma occurs when the skin has too much melanin and it often affects people with darker skin tones, women during pregnancy, and those taking certain medications.
The main sign of melasma is hyperpigmentation that can be just slightly darker than the skin surrounding it or much darker.
Areas most commonly affected include:
Hyperpigmentation Treatment for Dark SkinHyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, causing dark spots. It’s more common with darker skin.In some cases, treatment of the underlying condition (like eczema) is needed to resolve the skin effects. Skin care products can fade the spots and improve the appearance, but prevention (like avoiding sun) is key.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment for Dark Skin
Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, causing dark spots. It’s more common with darker skin.In some cases, treatment of the underlying condition (like eczema) is needed to resolve the skin effects. Skin care products can fade the spots and improve the appearance, but prevention (like avoiding sun) is key.
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Treatmentis often sought for cosmetic reasons. In some instances, such as if the condition occurred during pregnancy, the discoloration may fade over time. For people who wish to treat the condition, their options include:
The Best Melasma Treatments to Fade Dark Spots for Every Skin Type
Medications Can Change Skin TonesCertain medications can have an effect on skin tone, including:Pain relieversAntimalarialsAntimicrobialsSeizure medicationsHeavy metalsPsychotropic drugs
Medications Can Change Skin Tones
Certain medications can have an effect on skin tone, including:Pain relieversAntimalarialsAntimicrobialsSeizure medicationsHeavy metalsPsychotropic drugs
Certain medications can have an effect on skin tone, including:
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The main symptom of tinea versicolor is the appearance of spots that can occur on any part of the body. The dry and scaly spots could be either lighter or darker than the skin around it, with a patchy appearance.
They may also:
The first-line treatment for tinea versicolor is over-the-counter antifungal medications. This can be in the form of soap, shampoo, or creams. In more severe cases, treatment may include prescription antifungal medications.
The skin may stay lighter (or darker) for weeks or months, but it will eventually return to its normal color. You should protect your skin from the sun and not tan while recovering from this condition.
Tinea versicolor can recur.If that does happen, it can be treated the same way as the first time around.
What is the Best Treatment for Tinea Versicolor?
DermNet NZ
Addison’s diseaseis a rare disorder that affects the adrenal glands. It’s also known as hypoadrenalism or primary adrenal insufficiency, and occurs when the adrenal glands fail to make enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
Addison’s disease can cause skin discoloration, most notably darkening skin in creases and folds, scar tissue, the inside of the cheek, the nipples and areola, and palms of the hands.
The most notable symptoms of the disease include:
The best treatment for Addison’s disease is hormone replacement therapy with medications like hydrocortisone andfludrocortisone acetate.
PansLaos
Dermatitisis a non-dangerous skin irritation that can take on different forms and lead to skin discoloration. Forms of dermatitis includecontact dermatitis,eczema, andseborrheicdermatitis(dandruff).
In the case of contact dermatitis, some typical symptoms include:
Symptoms of eczema include:
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
Some treatment options for people with dermatitis include:
For those with mild cases of dermatitis, at-home remedies have been shown to be effective, including:
Atopic vs. Contact Dermatitis: How They Differ
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet NZ
Rosacea can flare up at any time, and it is typically cyclical. Not everyone with the condition will experience flare-ups with the same lifestyle factors.
The main symptom of rosacea is frequent redness and visible blood vessels on the face. In some cases, other symptoms can be present, including:
Since there is no cure for rosacea, treatment is heavily focused on relieving the symptoms and controlling flare-ups. The two main factors when it comes to managing skin disorders are proper medication and a good skincare routine.
Treatment options include:
For those with rosacea, home remedies may be helpful when coupled with medical treatment. To avoid flare-ups, a person with rosacea can:
How Mild Rosacea Is Treated
RUTH JENKINSON / Getty Images
There are different types of psoriasis, and each type will present with different symptoms. The main symptom of the condition is a red and scaly rash, which is typically found in cases ofplaque psoriasis. The five other types of psoriasis areguttate psoriasis,nail psoriasis,inverse psoriasis,pustular psoriasis, anderythrodermicpsoriasis.
Other common symptoms include:
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Treatment options for psoriasis will depend on the type and severity of the disease. Milder forms of the disorder can be managed with home remedies such as a good skincare routine and itch relief creams or ointments.
There are also many over-the-counter medications that can provide relief from psoriasis, such as anti-itch medications, hydrocortisone cream, and salicylic acid. Prescriptions can be used to help battle more serious cases of the disease. Corticosteroid creams or ointments, vitamin D analogs that slow down skin cell growth, and topical immunomodulators may be effective.
The recently FDA-approved non-steroidal topical cream VTAMA (tapinarof) offers a new treatment option. Application is once-daily and there is a high chance of clearance in adults with localized plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis does not leave permanent scars, but many people experience psoriasis that doesn’t seem to go away. When over-the-counter treatments don’t work, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical medicine or oral medication to manage symptoms. These are usually only used briefly, such as during a psoriasis flare.
How Psoriasis Is Treated
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoCallista Images / Getty Images
Callista Images / Getty Images
Skin cancerrefers to the uncontrollable growth of skin cells, which causes skin discoloration. Skin cancer can be a mild and easily treatable condition. But if left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications if cancer spreads to other areas of the body. The three main types of skin cancer arebasal cell carcinoma.squamous cell carcinoma, andmelanoma.
The symptoms of skin cancer will vary depending on the type and progression of the disease. The signs of basal cell carcinoma include:
The typical symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:
Signs of melanoma include:
Pictures of Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
The treatment for skin cancer varies depending on how advanced the cancer is. For example, in the initial stages, removal of the growth or mole is enough.
Treatment options for skin cancer include:
How Skin Cancer Is Treated
Home Remedies for Discoloration
Treating and healing skin discoloration can take time, depending on the cause. Changes due to tinea versicolor can take months to resolve; other cases that rely on laser therapy and prescription cream treatments can take weeks before skin tone improvements are clear.
People dealing with skin discoloration may be looking for a fast-acting remedy, and some types of discoloration (like sunburn) can resolve in just a few days. But don’t be surprised if progress is slow. Consider using cosmetics to conceal spots or even out skin tone to help get results.
Other options for treating skin discoloration or its causes at home include:
Summary
Skin discoloration can have a number of causes, from the birthmark you were born with to the age spots later in life. The skin changes can be associated with medication, fungal infections, a chronic health condition or a new challenge with your skin health.
Home remedies and over-the-counter products can help to treat symptoms. But if your skin condition worsens or you start to notice changes, such as new growths, bleeding, or signs of infection, call your healthcare provider.
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