Pigmentation spots are dark or light spots on the skin that contrast with our skin colour. We often see pigmentation spots on the face, hands, cleavage, neck, arms and legs. As you can see, especially body parts that get a lot of sun exposure. Excessive UV radiation disrupts the pigmentation process, causing pigment cells to produce excessive pigment (dark spots) or pull it out of the skin (light spots). Other factors such as skin ageing, hormonal changes, medications, skin damage (wound, acne or ingrown hair) combined with sunlight can cause pigmentation to be produced excessively or underproduced.
What kind of pigmentation spots are there?
- Lentigo solaris (sun spot, age spot): The most common pigmentation spot on the skin. Flat and evenly pigmented patches on the skin of varying sizes.
- Melasma (pregnancy mask): Hormonal pigmentation caused by a combination of hormones and sun. This pigmentation is often seen on the forehead, cheekbones, upper lip and/or chin. Melasma is not only seen in pregnant women.
- Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark pigmentation after inflammation or skin damage.
- Café-au-lait spot: Coffee-coloured spot on the body.
- Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis: White discolouration on the body due to sun damage.
- Vitiligo: Vitiligo is a disease in which the skin forms white patches in which melanocytes stop producing melanin. Causes of the condition are unclear, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease.
Difference between melanoma and normal pigment spot
Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, and a benign pigmentary spot (lentigo solaris) both involve excessive production of pigment cells causing a dark spot on the skin. However, there are different characteristics in both spots. A lentigo solaris lies flat in the skin with an evenly pigmented colour (usually brown) and a sharply defined border. They often become slightly darker in colour in summer and lighter in winter. Lentigo solaris are usually harmless and are not considered skin cancer. A melanoma can look very different. Usually, melanoma has symptoms such as asymmetry, jagged edges, uneven colour distribution and changes in shape or size.
What can I do about pigment spots?
Protecting yourself from the sun is the first step. A good sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50 along with protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses will help prevent pigment spots. You can reduce dark pigmentation spots by using pigment-reducing creams and treatments such as a chemical peel or light or laser treatment by a skin therapist or doctor.
Example of lentigo solaris
Example of melasma
Example of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis
Example of vitiligo