Best Skin Clinic in Chandigarh. Skin specialist in Chandigarh

Pigmentation Treatment

One of the signs of ageing of the skin is facial pigmentation. Often caused by a combination of sun exposure, genetic and lifestyle factors, this can undermine confidence in a person. Pigmentation treatment in Chandigarh includes the correct diagnosis of the primary condition causing the pigmentation, without which appropriate therapies cannot be directed. Let us see the common causes of facial pigmentation and their treatment options.

Melasma: Melasma is a common skin condition represented by brown and black patches over the cheeks, nose & forehead areas. Mostly seen in women of the childbearing age, it has become increasingly common in men as well. It has been widely recognised as one of the most common reasons of facial pigmentation.

Tanning: Tanning or darkening of the skin in response to sun exposure is a common complaint of people who desire to remove tan to look brighter. The proportion of the tan sometimes does not depend on duration of sun exposure, and some individuals may get severe tanning even after spending few minutes in the sun. Treatments aimed at removing tan are successful only if the patient avoids further sun exposure till tan removal is complete.

Freckles: Freckles or sunspots are tiny, brown or black pigment spots over the face, especially cheeks and nose, neck or arms. These spots are formed in response to sun exposure or UV radiation. These usually run in families and are seen in patients with fairer skin types. In some people, freckles are fewer in number and do not cause any visible pigmentation. However, in others, they may increase to cover the whole face.

Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: Lichen Planus Pigmentosus or Ashy dermatosis is a skin condition commonly affecting face, neck and arms. It starts off as dark patches over the face, which join and involve the full face. The colour of the skin looks ashy or blue black, and therefore the name of the condition. This condition is triggered by use of PPD containing hair dyes, but has an auto immune component as well. The pigment in this condition lies in the dermis, and is enclosed in cells called melanophages. The condition is diagnosed by a skin biopsy, following which oral treatment and Q YAG laser treatments are effective in giving good clearance of pigment.

Reihl's melanosis: In a country which is besotted with fairness, many use multiple creams and home remedies, which may sensitise the skin and cause a pigmentation called Reihl’s melanosis. This condition has to be treated by stopping all the creams, and then treated with QYAG laser and other treatments.

Acanthosis Nigricans: This is a skin change associated with weight gain, obesity and diabetes, but has become extremely common in patients with sedentary jobs. The skin gets thickened, especially around the eyelids, forehead and the areas around the mouth. This thickening of the skin gives the appearance of pigmentation. The treatment involves strict lifestyle modifications to help weight loss, along with chemical peels to reduce the thickness of skin. However, the cosmetic treatments are short lived if weight loss is not attained.

Perioral dermatitis: Pigmentation around the mouth is common in darker skin individuals. This could be caused by eczema or dermatitis which could be related to product use. The skin in the perioral area is sensitive and reacts to cosmetics. So, a good analysis should include patch testing for common allergens as well as detailed cosmetic history. Treatment uses LED biolight in combination with Chemical peels or QYAG laser.

Seborrheic dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes scaling and pigmentation over the sides of nose and under the lower lip, sebborheic dermatitis can cause sensitivity of the skin and present as a facial pigmentation. Associated dandruff, scaling over the chest and back, gives clues to this diagnosis. Treatment involves oral antifungal agents and creams.

Addison’s disease: This is one of the medical conditions, which can present as a sudden onset facial and generalised hyperpigmentation, and needs blood tests to diagnose it. Treatment of the underlying medical condition helps alleviate the skin condition.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: This vitamin deficiency presents as pigmentation over the knuckles as well as pigmentation around the mouth area, common in vegetarians. Diagnosis needs blood tests and treatment is relatively easy with vit B12 supplementation.

Pigmentary Demarcation Lines (PDL): PDLs are areas of abrupt transition from dark to light areas. Commonly seen in darker skin individuals, they can be seen on face under the eyes and around the mouth. These can be treated well with QYAG laser.

As the causes of facial pigmentation are many, it is important to diagnose the primary condition so correct treatment can follow. It is important to seek a dermatologist’s help to get to the correct treatment plan for Pigmentation treatment in Chandigarh.