Description

Pigmentation refers to the coloring of a person's skin, which is determined by the amount and type of melanin produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Pigmentation disorders can result in darker skin (hyperpigmentation) from too much melanin, such as from sun exposure or melasma, or lighter skin (hypopigmentation) from too little melanin, seen in conditions like vitiligo. Causes vary from sun exposure and genetics to hormonal changes, skin injuries, and underlying medical conditions like Addison's disease. Treatments include sun protection, topical creams, chemical peels, and lasers.