Any alteration in skin tone and texture can mar otherwise perfectly healthy kin.Some of these marks are present at birth and some others appear wit age. Some marks are due to accidental injuries and some are the result of skin neglect and misuse.No matter what the cause of the discoloration may be, the discolorations themselves tend to be disturbing or disfiguring based on several factors such as visibility,color, location and texture of the discolored skin area. This explains the dominant desire to have any skin discolorations corrected and eliminated at the earliest.Newer advances in treatment, especially with the development of laser, have proven a boon to the correction and elimination of skin discoloration.
Common skin discolorations
Skin is an area where most of us are extremely sensitive about and any alterations,however mild, tend to discomfit us and detract from our confidence in our personal appearance. Some of these marks that have a tendency to cause major discomfiture include the following.
| | | Birthmarks- These are marks of varying hues that can be present on the skin at birth or appear shortly after.
- Although the exact cause of their appearance is still inadequately researched, their appearance seems to be due to deformities in the smaller blood vessels of the skin.
- These marks can appear as early as the first month of life within the Uterus.
- Treatment options for such marks have been very limited in the past, but have seen much development and improvement since the discovery of lasers.
|  | Moles- Moles are also known as pigmented naevi and can be flat or raised and tend to change with age and time.
- Moles are supposed to form when the skin’s Melanin pigment undergoes coagulation.
- Moles are not a serious cause of worry medically unless they undergo rapid changes that are abnormal for that particular skin area.
- Lasers can be used to treat moles, but these moles will need to be assessed in a biopsy to determine their nature.
|  | Age spots- These are darker and irregular spots that usually appear on the exposed areas of the body including the face, chest and hands.
- These are usually only seen with increasing age and are also known as solar lentigo.
- These have been purported to have their origins in sun-damaged skin and increase with age.
- Specific treatments for age spots include lightening creams,chemical peels and laser treatments.
|  | Melasma- These discolorations appear as brown stains on the face or chest and are commonly seen in pregnant women or those on the oral contraceptive pill.
- These are believed to occur as a result of an increase in Melanin production in the body, which can be a consequence of hormonal alterations.
- Exposure to intense or strong sunlight can increase the staining effect and avoidance of exposure to the sun is advised in individuals who appear at risk of developing melasma.
- Treatment options include topical creams, light glycolic acid peels and laser.
- The use of sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) over 20 is advisable in anyone who has a family history or is at risk of developing melasma.
Vitiligo - This condition results in the total loss of skin pigment.
- Individuals with preexisting disorders of the thyroid, pernicious anemia or decreased adrenal gland function may be at higher risk of developing Vitiligo.
- Possible causes of this condition have been attributed to mechanisms that decrease the production of Melanin or where pigment-producing Cells are destroyed by the body’s Immune System.
- Treatment can involve the removal of remaining pigment if significant amounts of pigment have already been lost.
- Another modality of treatment involves the use of ultraviolet therapy to restore pigment in the affected white skin patches.
Thread veins or telangiectasia- These are minute dilated veins that become prominent as traces on the facial skin or the legs.
- This condition is more common in women than in men.
- Factors contributing to the problem include hereditary factors, hormones, skin type,light damage and prolonged pressure on the veins of the affected areas such as that caused by standing for long durations.
- Treatment includes laser, and sclerotherapy where a chemical is injected into the dilated vein to shut off its blood supply.Vascular lasers are preferred over sclerotherapy in view of the risks of sclerotherapy.
Times and attitudes have changed over time and it is no longer necessary for oneto suffer through life with an unsightly appearing skin discoloration. Newer remedies include topical creams that keep undergoing modifications that improve their effects and minimize the side effects.
Laser therapy has revolutionized the world of individuals affected with disfiguring skin conditions and lesions. Improvements and specialization in laser technology has resulted in the development of condition-specific lasers. No longer do you have to make do with skin discolorations that invite curious and impolite looks and uninvited attention.
Preventive measures
Some skin defects and discoloration cannot be avoided, but most of these discolorations can be prevented with a few simple changes to lifestyle and some precautionary measures. These include: - A healthy balanced diet with emphasis of green vegetables and fruits.
- Avoidance of alcohol, smoking and other harmful chemicals. • An active lifestyle, with appropriate stress on healthy exercise and relaxation techniques.
- Skin-care routines, which are appropriate for one’s lifestyle and weather conditions.
- Sun-protection measures that include the right sunscreen,sun glasses and broad-brimmed hats.
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