Types of Pigmentation

Many Causes, Many Types

Pigmentation is a very common cosmetic skin condition – often it is due to sun exposure, while other times it is a result of genetics and medical conditions.
When this occurs, melanin in the skin (the pigment that gives our skin its colour) starts to spread unevenly and clump together, resulting in hyperpigmentation – a condition where an area of the skin is darker than surrounding areas.

Causes of Pigmentation:

  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Ageing
  • Genetics
  • Scarring
  • Hormonal changes, usually pregnancy or birth control
  • Certain medical conditions such as lupus or Addison’s disease
  • Certain medications such as antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs etc.

Types of Pigmentation:

Freckles

Freckles show up as brown spots on the sun-exposed areas of the face, neck and arms commonly in people with fairer skin and light-coloured hair, such as Caucasians. Often the result of genetics and excessive sun exposure, their presence is a reflection of sun damage in the skin.

Age Spots

Age spots refer to dark spots on the skin that result from a combination of sun exposure and age-related changes in the skin. As such, they not only appear in the most sun-exposed areas of the body but in other areas as well. Some age spots are flat on the surface of the skin while papular age spots tend to stick out in darkened bumps.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks refer to any type of skin discolouration that show up at birth or during the first few weeks of life. They can vary widely in size, colour and type.

Melasma

Melasma is one of the most common causes of pigmentation and is often attributed to the influence of female hormones. It may appear during pregnancy or when a woman starts using oral contraceptives; and it may also be triggered by the use of certain cosmetic products or excessive sun exposure.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin affected by an inflammatory skin condition such as acne or insect bites. It occurs when there is a build-up of excess melanin after the inflammation heals.

With over 20 years’ experience treating pigmentation, our dermatologist will be able to accurately identify the cause and type of your pigmentation for more effective treatment planning.
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Dr Cheong Lai Leng

Consultant Dermatologist

MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Internal Medicine)
MRCP (UK), FAMS (Dermatology)
Corr. Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery

An experienced dermatologist of over 20 years, Dr Cheong obtained her specialist dermatological training in Singapore and embarked on her subspecialty training in dermatological surgery in the United States. Dr Cheong has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology, including the treatment of skin pigmentation through safe and effective means. Dr Cheong has also lectured extensively at medical conferences and public forums on various facial rejuvenation techniques.

Early intervention to treat pigmentation goes a long way to minimise the condition from worsening.

Lighten Pigmented Areas Effectively Through Our Personalised Treatments

3 Mount Elizabeth #09-09
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 6836 1480 | Fax: (65) 6836 1481

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