There are two main types of pigmentation inconsistencies; hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

 

What is hyperpigmentation and what causes it?

Hyperpigmentation is where patches of the skin appear darker than the skin’s normal colour.

Hyper-pigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for colour. Certain conditions such as pregnancy may cause a greater production of melanin. Exposure to sunlight is also a major cause of hyperpigmentation, and will darken already pigmented areas.

An example of hyper-pigmentation is melanoma; this condition is characterised by tan or brown patches typically on the face. It can also appear during pregnancy, and often disappears after.

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What is hypopigmentation?

Hypopigmentation is where patches of the skin appear lighter than the skin’s normal colour.

Hypopigmentation is characterised in three groups:

• Vitiligo – small, smooth white patches on the skin.

• Albinism – an inherited disorder where the enzyme producing melanin is not existent, causing a complete lack in skin pigmentation and hair.

• Skin damage – infections, blisters, burns and other traumas to the skin can cause the pigment to take a long time to return to the skin.

 

What are lentigenes?

Lentigines are flat brown lesions which do not darken following sun exposure. They may be any size from 5-20mm and may be irregular in shape.

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Required treatment

Skin tags can be easily removed from all over the body using advanced electrolysis. We recommend the Spear or F2020 probe.