Pigmentation is one of the most psychologically devastating skin condition. It can have severe effects on one’s mental and emotional well being. Pigmentation is basically increased deposits of melanin in the skin. It may be patchy or generalized. It may be purely cosmetic in nature or may be a sign of a more serious internal medical condition. Hence a thorough check up and correct diagnosis by a dermatologist is important before embarking on treatment.
Pigmentation can occur due to various reasons like hormonal, post inflammatory, drug induced, genetic (naevi) or chronic sun exposure
Very often, a client’s only presenting concern to a dermatologist is dull skin. They may have a perfect lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise, but the skin just looks tired and lacks lustre. The reasons can be any or all of the following – sun exposure, lack of sleep, exposure to a lot of pollutants, lack of a good skin care regime, dietary deficiency of essential vitamins, etc.
Tanning of the skin occurs due to exposure to sunlight. Both UVA and UVB cause tanning. The ultraviolet rays of the sun increase the melanin synthesis by melanocytes leading to an increase in the pigment on the skin. The skin looks darker and may appear patchy.