Acne and Pigmentary Disorders

Among the various types of skin disorders that people may have are acne and pigmentary disorders. These include Melasma, vitiligo, and albinism. All these skin disorders can have a negative effect on a person's skin.

Melasma

Symptoms of melasma and acne pigmentary disorders can vary. Usually, they occur on the face, but they can be found on other parts of the body as well. People with darker skin are more likely to develop these skin problems.

In women, melasma often appears around the time of pregnancy. During the early weeks of pregnancy, the body produces a variety of hormones. Some of these hormones can cause melasma to develop. Oral contraceptives can also trigger melasma.

In women, melasma is most common in the frontal and zygomatic areas. The nasal and temporal regions are next. The sulci are the least common places.

Typical melasma treatments include brightening agents and vitamins. Hydroquinone is often used to reduce the appearance of melasma. Using a cream or lotion on the affected areas at night is recommended.

Using intense pulsed light is another treatment option. This procedure can be done monthly until the desired effect is achieved. This method has minimal downtime.

During melasma treatment, it is important to follow up with a dermatologist. Your healthcare provider may perform tests or perform a biopsy.

Besides treating your melasma, you should also take steps to prevent it from reoccurring. This means protecting yourself from the sun every day. You should also avoid cosmetics and other irritants that can worsen your condition.

You should also avoid tanning beds. Although they are effective, they can cause more melasma outbreaks. In addition, you should use a sunscreen with UVB/UVA protection.

If your melasma is particularly bad, you should consider a treatment called a triple combination topical cream. This cream contains tretinoin, fluocinolone acetonide, and hydroquinone. It has been proven to postpone relapse in up to 53% of patients.

The dermatologist will recommend a specific combination of treatments for you. If you are pregnant, you should discuss the possibility of melasma with your doctor. During pregnancy, retinoids should not be used.

Other treatments include prescription strength creams, or a procedure called an intense pulsed light. Both options have low risks, but can take longer to clear up your melasma.

Lastly, if you have a family history of melasma, you should consult a doctor. It can be a sign of a more serious skin disorder.

Vitiligo

Known as vitiligo, this skin disorder occurs when the immune system attacks the melanocyte cells, which produce the skin's pigment. White patches are the result, and the affected areas look lighter than natural skin color.

It can affect any part of the body, including the mouth, eyelids, and hair. However, it is most commonly seen in people with darker complexions.

It can start with small white patches. Over time, the discolored skin will expand to larger areas. This can cause a great deal of self-consciousness. It also increases the risk of thyroid disease.

When it is diagnosed early, a treatment can be applied to stop the discoloration and restore some color back to the affected areas. Medications may be prescribed, including immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. These can be taken orally or applied topically. The downside of these treatments is that they may cause stretch marks and other side effects.

In addition to treating the discoloration, a dermatologist can monitor the condition and treat it if it appears to be getting worse. The doctor will perform a physical exam and may order lab tests to find out the cause. In some cases, the doctor may encourage the melanocyte cells to regenerate.

Another option is to use a calcineurin inhibitor ointment. This is a topical ointment that works by affecting the immune system. The ointment is associated with a number of skin conditions, but it has been shown to improve vitiligo.

Depending on the severity of the vitiligo, patients may also be treated with cellular suspension grafting, which transplants a few pieces of normal-colored skin onto the affected area. This procedure can be used to remove large areas of vitiligo.

A nonprofit organization, the American Academy of Dermatology, supports vitiligo research. It hosts events and publishes information about the disease on its website. It also hosts a support page for people with vitiligo. This page is a place for those with the condition to talk about their experiences and share tips on managing the disease.

A vitiligo patient's life can be extremely stressful. Many people with the disorder experience social isolation, and they often feel bad about themselves.

Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis

Symptoms of dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are similar. They both involve the scalp and are noncontagious. Although there is no cure for these conditions, there are ways to reduce their effects. The treatment will depend on the location of the condition and your hair type.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin disorder that is caused by an overgrowth of the skin yeast called malassezia. The skin's surface fungal colonization can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications and underlying medical conditions. It can also be associated with other skin disorders such as psoriasis. It is important to consult a dermatologist if you think you might have seborrhoeic dermatitis.

There are several different treatments for this skin disorder. Some of the common ones include topical anti-inflammatory agents, topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may need to use more than one medication.

Using a dandruff shampoo can help prevent the development of the disease. You should wash your hair and scalp at least five times per week. You can also use a moisturizer or petroleum jelly to loosen the scales.

For severe cases, you may need to use topical steroids. There are many treatments available at the pharmacy. These include antifungal agents such as tetracycline, ketoconazole and selenium sulphide. If you are allergic to tetracycline, you should not use it. Using a dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis shampoo can reduce the symptoms of both conditions. You should also try to avoid harsh soaps.

Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis usually develops on the scalp and face. Other areas affected include the eyebrows, chest and armpits. This disease is most common in middle aged and elderly people. It can also be triggered by certain medicines, physical stress and certain hormonal changes. Fortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled with specially formulated shampoos and other treatments. You can also help prevent the development of this disease by practicing healthy lifestyle habits.

There are several causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis, including increased levels of androgens, psoriasis, and an overgrowth of skin yeast. Other factors such as nutrition, physical stress and neurological conditions can increase the risk of developing this skin disorder.

Albinism

Those with albinism and acne pigmentary disorders face many problems. These include a high risk of sunburn and skin cancer, as well as social stigma. People with this condition may also be subject to violence and persecution. In addition, they may have low self-esteem and suffer from stress.

Albinism is a genetic condition that results from changes in genes that produce melanin. The number of melanocytes in the skin is preserved in albinos. However, the resulting skin can appear red or pink in certain lighting.

The most common malignancy is squamous cell carcinoma, which is found in about seventy percent of albino patients. It occurs in the head and neck area, and can develop as early as teens.

In addition, individuals with albinism have a higher risk of getting infections. They are also more prone to bruising, and are at a greater risk for skin cancer. It is important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least twenty. It is also important to avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.

The number of melanocytes in the eye is reduced in individuals with albinism. This decreases the amount of pigment in the iris, making it translucent. It also causes light-colored eyes to appear red in some lighting.

In some instances, the hair may also be affected. The color of hair can vary, and may turn brown or white by the time a person is an adult. It is important to report any new moles or pigmentation changes to your doctor.

The most accurate way to determine whether a person has albinism is to have genetic testing. This is most useful when a family history of albinism is present. It can also be useful for couples who have had an albino child.

In cases of syndromic albinism, the symptoms can include Angelman syndrome. This is caused by a deficiency of protein P in the OCA2 gene. This causes one nonfunctional copy of protein P to be produced in the body. Affected individuals also have recurrent infections.

Those with syndromic albinism have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They are also more prone to getting recurrent infections, and are at a greater risk of bruising.