Pigmentation is a common skin problem. It is of different types including discoloration of the skin due to aging, freckles and birthmarks. In this article, we will discuss various types of skin pigmentation and effective treatment.
Freckles are the most common type of skin pigmentation. Freckles are clusters of concentrated melanin, oftenly visible on fair skin people. These appear on the face, but may appear on other skin parts exposed to the Sun, such as arms and shoulders. The people with freckles usually have a lower concentration of the photoprotective melanin so hence they are susceptible to UV rays of the Sun. Treatment includes sun creams and laser.
Age spots: Excess production of melanin causes age spots. They are also caused by aging, over sun exposure. The common areas where age spots occur are the face, back of your hands, shoulders and forearms. To lessen their appearance, doctors usually suggests laser treatments, peels, dermabrasion or cryosurgery.
Hyperpigmentation: It is darkening of an area of the skin caused by sun damage, inflammation and other skin injuries. Many forms of hyperpigmentation occur due to excess production of melanin, the primary determinant of the skin color.
Birthmarks: It is an irregularity in the skin, which is present at the birth or appears shortly after the birth. These are divided into two types:
- Vascular birthmarks that include molecular stains, port-wine stains and hemangiomas that are caused by increased blood vessels.
- Pigmented birthmarks as moles, cafe-au-lait spots and Mongolian pots that are caused by excess skin pigment cells.
Most of the birthmarks are harmless and do not need any treatment. Pigmentation marks lessen in appearance after a while, but vascular birthmarks may require removal due to cosmetic reasons. Treatment includes dermatological laser and surgery. Port wine stains and hemangiomas can also be treated creams and chemical peels.
To treat skin pigmentation issues, laser methods are most popular as they have a greater degree of penetration. The treatment is also precise. It treats discoloration by breaking down the skin. After a few days of the treatment, the darkened tissue shed themselves. You may experience discomfort after the procedure, but it subsides within a few days.
It takes just 30 minutes to perform. You can observe a change in your skin in just a few sittings. There are minimal side effects. Most doctors use Nd: YAG, Alexandrite and Intense Pulsed Light lighten or remove a variety of spots on the skin.
Call us if you are looking for laser skin pigmentation treatment. Our medical practitioner will last assess your skin, study your case and then customize a treatment for you as per your requirements.
