Diagnosis
A dermatologist will do a thorough examination to determine the cause of skin pigmentation problems. It usually starts with a visual examination of the afflicted region to examine the colour, texture, and pigmentation distribution. The dermatologist will also ask about the patient's medical history, particularly any recent changes or exposure to factors that may have contributed to pigmentation changes. Additional diagnostic procedures, such as a Wood's lamp examination, biopsy, dermoscopy, patch testing, blood tests, or genetic testing, may be conducted in some circumstances. These tests aid in determining the underlying reason of the pigmentation problem, which may include hormone imbalances, hereditary factors, UV damage, or specific medical problems. A comprehensive diagnosis allows the dermatologist to establish a treatment plan that is personalised to the individual's needs.
Procedure
The treatment technique for skin pigmentation is determined on the individual cause and degree of the pigmentation problem.
Topical medicines are creams or ointments that include substances such as hydroquinone, retinoids, or corticosteroids that are used to lighten or even out the skin tone, addressing concerns like facial pigmentation effectively.
- Chemical peels include the application of a chemical solution to the skin in order to exfoliate and correct pigmentation abnormalities.
- Laser therapy: High-energy laser beams target pigment-containing cells, breaking up excess pigmentation and encouraging the creation of new skin cells.
- Microdermabrasion: A mild exfoliating method that eliminates the skin's outer layer, reducing the appearance of pigmentation problems.
- Cryotherapy is the use of extremely cold temperatures to freeze and kill pigmented skin cells.