Skin Pigmentation Disorders Treatment

Treatment and Prevention of Pigmentary Disorders

The colour of your skin depends on melanin, haemoglobin (in both its oxidised and reduced forms), and carotenoids. Melanin is mainly responsible for determining the colour of your skin and causing variation in different skin colours.

In pigmentary disorder, there is an abnormal increase or decrease in the amount of melanin. There are various forms of ways to heal pigmentary disorders, like topical medication, chemical peels, laser therapies, and phototherapy.

What is the diagnosis process of pigmentary disorder?

Medical practitioners follow a simple physical examination to diagnose pigmentary disorders. Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and a detailed history. Your doctor may use a Wood's lamp to examine the pigment's depth. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If a systemic illness is suspected (which is rare for most common pigmentary issues), blood tests may be ordered.

What is the treatment for pigmentary disorder?

The treatment plan for pigmentary disorder depends on the type of condition. However, there are certain pigmented lesions that laser therapy can treat. There are many treatment options that your medical adviser can recommend:

• Topical Medication: There are certain types of pigmentation issues over which you can use medicated creams, ointments, or gels.
• Laser Surgery: There are various laser procedures to treat discolouration and other pigmentation issues. Sometimes, you must undergo multiple treatments to get the desired results.
• Pigment-Targeting Lasers and Lights: Conditions like sun spots or certain birthmarks respond well to lasers that target melanin, such as Q-switched lasers or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Multiple sessions are often required.

How to Prevent Pigmentary Disorder?

Taking precautionary steps for pigmentary disorders, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, includes protection from excessive sun exposure, underlying medical conditions, and stress. Here are some preventative measures that you can take to minimise the chances of developing pigmentary disorder:

• Sun Protection: Use a sunscreen that provides SPF 30 or more and also has PA++++ protection. Apply generously and reapply every 3 to 4 hours on your skin. If you are prone to getting sunburn, wear full sleeves, pants, and hats to shield against the sun. Lastly, try avoiding peak sun hours.
• Avoiding Irritation: Avoid picking at your skin after injuries or acne breakouts, as it can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. For your skincare, opt for gentle products and avoid using harsh chemicals and treatments that may irritate your skin.
• Underlying Conditions: Some medical ailments or treatments cause changes in pigmentation. Sometimes, it can be due to stress. Therefore, practise stress management techniques like meditation. Failure to manage stress will lead to the triggering or worsening of pigmentary issues.
• Skin Condition: If you are someone suffering from vitiligo, protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial, as it may further loss of pigmentation or damage skin.
   

Pigmentary disorder may either heal by itself or require medical intervention. Therefore, if you notice any change in symptoms or new symptoms, referring to a medical professional is crucial.

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