Conditions
Skin Pigmentation Problems
Some skin conditions occur because the body produces either too much melanin (hyperpigmentation) or too little (hypopigmentation), which is the natural pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair and eyes. It’s melanin that protects the body from damaging ultraviolet light, which is why those with hypopigmentary conditions, such as albinism (causing light skin, white or pale yellow hair, and light blue or gray eyes) or vitilgo (which creates smooth, depigmented white spots on the skin) need to take extra care to protect their skin from the sun’s rays. ‘Liver spots’, which occur due to sun damage, are a common form of Hyperpigmentation (when the body produces too much melanin, causing skin to become darker than usual). Similarly, the skin condition melasma, which creates a dark mask-like discoloration that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, can often be triggered during pregnancy when haywire hormones lead to an overproduction of melanin that causes the “mask of pregnancy” on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas.
Comments and Questions
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I have really dark underarms like some other people mentioned here. I have stopped shaving that area for about a year but not even the slightest change in colour has occurred. Unfortunately this problem lowers my self esteem so much that I hesitate to wear vest tops or anything sleeveless. What can I do? Will mild skin whitening creams help this?
I am almost 40 and have recently notice a slight colour change in the skin in the crease just under my right breast. My Breasts are avaerage in size 38C. I saw my GP who felt it was eczeama nut prescribed no treatment. I have a history of eczeama on my hands and this has not presented in the same way at all. The patch under my breast does not itch or rough, neither is it red but it is patchy, brown & smooth. I have used the hydrocortisone cream I have for my hands and this has made no difference to the patches. I have examined my breast reguarlly and have noticed no changes. Should I be concerned?
Hi, I am a south Asian girl with a skin colouring problem. My armpits, groin area and inner thighs, elbows, knees, fingers and toes at the joint are all alot extremely darker than the rest of my body. I have fair skin but these areas are extremely darker like a dark skinned person. Its not a hygiene issue because I am a clean freak. I dont think I have pcos because my periods are regular. I went to my doctor and she said to exfoliate and moisturise, but that's not working. I've had this problem ever since I can remember. Any ideas or suggestions?
Hi, I'm a 22 year old with white European ethnicity, I have the same colour change as both of you, it started about 3 years ago as some darkened brown patches across my stomach and then also under my breasts, between my thighs under my armpits and on my back. The last few months its started to spread more and more down my arms, across my chest and down my thighs. I went to my doctor and she said that it was just something that happened to some people. She said everyone has different bacterias living on the skin at different times and this is the way some peoples skin reacts to it and it leaves these marks. But she did not offer anything I could do. I'm to very happy about this so I'm going to go to another doctor and ask for a appointment with a dermatologist and will try to get some answers. If I get any I'll be sure to post them here too...
Over the past several months, I have noticed orangish pinkish spots that starte on my right hand. These spots do not I away but are less noticeable when my hands are normal temperature. When cold or hot or under certain light, my hand looks diseased with these splotches. The splotches have now spread to my other hand and are starting up my arms as well. I also usually have redder skin than most. I am a drinker, as well. ( appr 4 a day) My skin is just embarrassing I have pics if I could email to someone for advice.
hi i was born with a birthmark in my eye. when i was younger it was a dark purplish blob on the white part of my left eye. As i got older it has spread to the left side of my face :( I've even had a lot of people think i got beat up! I've tried derma blend but if i didn't have this birthmark i would have really nice skin! I'm wondering if there is anything to get rid of it or am i just gonna always be so self conscience about it?
Hi I'm a 20 year old Hispanic female and I have a dark skin tone under my arms and in my inner thigh and vaginal area. It's really embarrassing for me can anyone give me advice on gettin rid of this?
Hi - I'm 18 and I've had dark patches around my underarms and groin areas for a few years. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome when I was 16 and while reading up on it discovered that this is a symptom! So if you have any menstrual problems, dark hair on your face/back or any other symptoms it may be best to get checked!! I think there are a few options available but they may lighten your skin too much (especially since you're Hispanic) and so cause the opposite to happen! You could look into laser treatments or even some kind of gentle bleaching agent, but I've just learned to live with it and try to take really good care of my skin - the marks can be caused by sweat, hair removal techniques and maybe even some beauty products like moisturisers I think! Good luck with whatever you choose!
hi, I've just had a baby 14 weeks ago and went out in the sun then developed brown patches across my nose and on the upper lip, this makes me really embarrassed. what could this be and how could it be treated?
I have in the past year noticed dark blotchy rash like marks on my shoulders, back, neck and breasts. My doctors said it would go away itself overtime and was caused by excess hormones from having a baby but it has got worse. It is itchy at times and looks awful so I cover it up.
I have really bad dark underarms, i have tried waxing and using non aluminium deodrants, but this has been occuring for a long period of time, i don't usually wear vest tops, as its very embarassing, what can i do to solve this problem?
Hi,im 18 and am an Indian. I have a much darker skin between thighs and vaginal area which puts me off any activity in the bed room department. Is there anything I can do to change this so that it can match the rest of my skin ?
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