Mottled Skin

Do you have ugly patches on your skin? Wondering why does the skin get marked with irregular skin patches? In medical terminology, patchy or mottled skin is referred to as dyschromia. This skin condition might be caused due to changes in the pigment density or vascular changes. When changes occur in the blood vessels that are located close to the surface of the skin, it lends a patchy appearance to the skin. These changes are very prominent in those who are fair-skinned. Blotchy skin could also be caused due to an increase or decrease in the levels of melanin. Both children as well as adults can develop uneven patches on skin. A variety of skin disorders or medical conditions could be responsible for causing this condition.

Causes of Dyschromia

Vascular changes are one of the most common causes of this skin condition. When blood vessels underneath the skin get affected, it leads to the formation of tiny red blood spots under skin. Sometimes, the use of anticoagulants leads to the rupturing of capillaries. As a result, tiny red spots can appear on the skin. These tiny red dots are referred to as petechiae. Accumulation of blood in larger areas leads to the formation of purpura. Thrombocytopenic purpura occurs when blood doesn't clot properly. Those who have a low platelet count are susceptible to this condition. This skin condition can also be caused due to telangiectasia, a condition wherein blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin become dilated and prominent. Livedo reticularis is another condition wherein a red or purple fish-net like pattern can be seen on the legs. Sometimes exposure to intense cold can also cause venous stasis in cutaneous blood vessels. This is referred to as cutis marmorata. This condition can cause dyschromia in infants.

Besides vascular changes, dyschromia could also be caused due to changes in the levels of melanin. Melanin is a substance that is responsible for the color of our iris as well as the skin. It is produced by cells called melanocytes. A decrease or an increase in the level of melanin can also lead to this skin condition. At times, one might get blotchy skin from sun exposure. Unsightly skin blotches or age spots can affect one's skin tone and make it look patchy. Increased production of pigment is referred to as hyperpigmentation whereas a decreased production is known as hypopigmentation. Sometimes, people might have a genetic predisposition to conditions that might cause the skin to become mottled. Vitiligo and tinea versicolor are skin conditions associated with pigment loss. Skin discoloration could also be caused due to a skin disorder called melasma. Women who are pregnant or those who are undergoing hormone replacement therapy are at an increased risk of developing melasma. Since this skin condition is associated with hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, women taking birth control pills are also susceptible. Sun exposure is known to increase the risk of dyschromia due to melasma.

Treatment of Dyschromia

Since mottling of the skin could also be a symptom of a disease, it would be best to get yourself medically examined. Treating the underlying medical condition will therefore help in treating skin discoloration. Since patchy skin might be attributed to sun damage, one must minimize the exposure to the sun. When you step out on a sunny day, make sure that you use a sunscreen that has a high SPF factor. Wearing broad-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing will definitely help. If age spots from sun exposure are responsible for the patchy appearance of your skin, you can consult a dermatologist for treating age spots. Use of glycolic acid peels, microdermabrasion or laser therapy might help fade age spots. Use of chemical peels and microdermabrasion involves the removal of the damaged epidermis. Intense Pulse Light or photorejuvenation is another technology that is believed to be quite effective for the treatment of skin discoloration due to vascular changes.

If skin patches are affecting your looks and stressing you out, consult a dermatologist soon. Since exposure to the sun is one of the common causes of skin damage, protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Use good quality skin care products and follow the advice of a dermatologist for getting rid of unsightly patches on your skin.