Skin Discoloration

Early detection is the best deterrent to skin cancer and other serious and long-lasting conditions. Don't wait to get advice early from a medical dermatologist Dr. Bard. Definitely see your dermatologist NYC when the skin discoloration looks like a new mole, you see changes happening in a mole you currently have. Make your appointment today to experience highly personalized and comprehensive dermatology care.

When your skin changes color either darker or lighter, or to some other shade of pink, blue or red it's not necessarily a sign of a medical condition that you need to get treated. Patchy skin discoloration, on the other hand, can signal other, more serious problems. The best way to ensure that you're taking appropriate steps when you see skin color changes is to make an appointment with your Manhattan dermatologists for a diagnosis.

Your skin cells contain melanocytes, which in turn produce melanin, the substance that determines your skin color. When you have too much melanin in your skin cells, you are said to have hyperpigmented skin. Too little melanin produces hypopigmented skin. When you have pale skin patches, your cells are not producing sufficient melanin and your melanocytes are overactive. Underactive melanocytes produce darker patches.

Another common discoloration is called bronzing, and this isn't the kind of bronzing you get from tanning. Instead, the slight darkening of your skin starts in places like your elbows, knees or knuckles and spreads. Bronzing also can happen on the palms of your hands or heels of your feet, and it can vary in darkness levels.

All symptoms and skin findings should always evaluated with a thorough consultation and physical examination for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan in order to exclude any underlying serious condition.

Hypopigmentation often is caused by:

• Inflammation
• Vitiligo, a disease associated with auto-immune conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease and pernicious anemia
• Various fungal infections
• Certain medications

Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, usually is caused by:

• An overload of iron in your system
• Exposure to ultraviolet sun rays or UV exposure in tanning booths
• Endocrine diseases such as Addison's disease
• Pregnancy

Read more info: ​https://www.manhattandermatologistsnyc.com/treatment/skin-discoloration/