Skin pigmentation disorders are conditions that make the skin to appear darker or lighter than the normal or blotchy. Millions of people at some point in their lives develop skin pigmentation disorders regardless of their race, age and gender. Most of these skin pigmentation disorders do not affect a person’s health but only the outward appearance.

These skin pigmentation disorders can cause skin discoloration which occurs due to the body producing either too much or too little melanin. Because of this disturbance in production of melanin the skin becomes blotchy and uneven.

The main causes of these skin pigmentation disorders are; genetic inheritance, overexposure to sun, wounds and scars, drug reactions, hormonal changes, severe mental or physical trauma. In some cases the causes of these skin pigmentation disorders are not clear.

A number of treatments are available for these skin pigmentation disorders which vary according to the specific condition. Most of the skin pigmentation disorders can be prevented by using sunscreen and by avoiding too much exposure to sun.

Here are some common skin pigmentation disorders:

Albinism is a genetic disorder that is caused by the lack or complete absence of pigmentation in the skin. The body contains an abnormal gene that prevents the production of melanin.

Melasma is a tan discoloration of a woman’s face that is associated with pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives. This disease is not permanent and can be treated very easily. Both men and women are equally affected by this disorder.

Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by white patches of irregular shape which can appear on any part of the body. These white patches occur due to destruction of melanocytes (pigment producing cells). It usually starts as a small patch of pigment loss and then spreads on different parts of the body.