Skin Discoloration

Even color throughout the body is a sign of healthy skin and of course, everyone loves to have a healthy and a smooth skin. But, unfortunately due to some reasons, the color of the skin starts fading and this is known as skin discoloration. As a consequence of discoloration of skin, the skin may sometimes turn bluish, reddish, yellowish, dark or light in color.

The skin contains melanin that defines a characteristic color for the skin. Discoloration on skin is because of the variation in the amount of melanin deposition and the flow of blood in that area. The discoloration of the skin is a disease categorized as skin disorder. Now, after understanding what is skin discoloration, let us know about the types of discoloration in skin. Skin discoloration: types and causes will be discussed in this article.

Types of Discoloration of Skin

Hyperpigmentation: Darkening of skin color is known as hyperpigmentation. This type of skin discoloration is because of overactive melanocytes present in the skin that increases the production of melanin. This condition arises due to exposure of the skin to sunlight for a long period. The already darkened skin becomes darker if further exposed to sunlight.

Hypopigmentation: The loss of melanin causes hypo-pigmentation. The color of the skin lightens in comparison to the normal color. The examples of hypopigmentation are vitiligo and tinea versicolor.

Red Skin: The redness of the skin is either on the whole body or on some parts of the skin. The cause of this type of discoloration of the skin include fever, sunburn, rash, eczema, dermatitis and flushing. Most often this is felt as an irritation on the skin and allergy.

Carotenodermia: The skin turns orange due to accumulation of carotenoids. This may be caused due to excess consumption of carotenoid rich food or improper functioning of the liver or kidney.

Cyanosis: In this condition, the skin turns bluish. The deficiency of oxygen in the skin leads to this type of discoloration on skin. This is most commonly observed in babies when their diet is changed from liquid to solid.

Pale Skin: The decrease in the amount of oxyhemoglobin in the skin causes the skin to appear pale. In some cases it can be seen on the whole body whereas, in some skin discoloration, patches that are white can also be observed.

Causes of Discoloration of Skin

Diseases: The most common cause of this skin disorder is jaundice. The skin turns yellow near the eyes. This is due to the failure of the liver in properly breaking down bilirubin. So, the yellow skin is caused due to improper functioning of the liver, white skin is because of albinism, paleness is due to anemia and cyanosis is the result of cyanotic heart disease.

Injuries: Injuries are one of the reasons for discoloration of the skin. An injury makes the skin red because it increases the supply of oxygen to that area. The allergies, infections or burning of the skin causes inflammation and thus increases the width of capillaries around the injured areas to increase the blood flow for healing it faster. The heat is generated in the body due to so many activities and increased rate of metabolism. These all things result in the rise of temperature of the body and gives a reddish appearance to the skin.

Medicines: In few cases the side effect or reaction to some medicine may also cause discoloration on skin. For example, sometimes treatment with minocycline may lead to hyperpigmentation.

Pregnancy: Skin discoloration during pregnancy is also observed in some cases. Skin discoloration on face due to hyperpigmentation or melasma because of increased melanocytes is also seen. But there are chances that the skin might become normal after the delivery.

Diet: According to some research the discoloration on skin is because of the intake of food as well. The skin sensitivity increases if the intake of psoralens content in food increases. The skin becomes more sensitive to sun exposure.

These were the causes and types of skin discoloration. The symptoms and treatment of discoloration of skin are dependent on the causes. In cases of skin discoloration spots or discoloration of the skin in any part of the body, one should immediately consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis. To avoid skin discoloration, special attention should be given to skin care. The excess of exposure to the sun should be avoided and sunscreens should be used.