What are the causes of Pigmentation?

 

Pigmentation refers to the colour of the skin and can range from the appearance of small age spots to large patches of splotchy, discoloured skin. Skin discolouration due to problems with melanin can be hormonal, like melasma, a condition commonly referred to as ‘the mask of pregnancy’ as 90% of pregnant women suffer from it, although men can develop the condition as well. This gets its name from the areas of the face that it affects; the upper lips, nose, cheekbones, and forehead, creating blotches of darkened skin that can look make it look like the sufferer is wearing a mask.

 

Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation are both conditions caused by melanin levels, causing areas of lighter skin and darker skin, respectively.

 

Melanin depletion or lack of melanocytes causes loss of skin colour in hypopigmentation, whereas excess melanin forms in deposits in the dermis and epidermis in hyperpigmentation.