Some skin diseases and conditions result in generalised or localised hyperpigmentation (increased skin colour or hypermelanosis), hypopigmentation (reduced skin colour or hypomelanosis), or depigmentation (absent skin colour or achromoderma). Treatments include removing layers of skin via a chemical peel and prescription bleaching treatments. When eczema occurs in those with dark complexions, it presents a two-fold problem: Treatment for eczema consists of identifying and avoiding products that irritate skin. With over 1 million new cases each year, skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. But before you can learn how to protect your face and body, it's important to know a little something about the biology of dark skin. This is not effective for melanin residing in the dermis or to reduce pigmentation caused by carotene, drug or tattoo. Hormonal pigmentation. American Academy of Dermatology web site. This occurs as a result of skin injury, such as a cut, scrape, or burn. Contact us to sponsor a DermNet newsletter. Melanin is carried by keratinocytes to the skin surface. Regardless of the treatment, keloids return between 45% and 100% of the time. The most common products include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (used to treat acne) and anti-aging compounds such as retinoids and glycolic acid. This is also true of certain oral antibiotics, particularly minocycline. The response of vitiligo to therapy is highly variable. Melasma The most common locations are the earlobes, chest, back, and arms. Eczema is believed to occur twice as frequently in children with dark skin. A genetic susceptibility perhaps triggered by a factor in the environment may result in an autoimmune disorder, causing destruction of pigment cells. What differs is both the size and distribution of the melanosomes. More melanin is produced when the skin is injured, for example following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a versatile treatment that can improve a range of skin conditions. It is mostly observed in darker skin types. Since the role of melanin in the skin is to absorb and scatter energy from ultraviolet (UV) light, having a dark complexion reduces the risk of sun damage, particularly as it pertains to skin aging and skin cancer formation. Author: A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2009. There is no effective treatment for achromia due to scarring. Thermal burn © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. Vitiligo In some people, it can produce a darkening of the skin, which can take months to fade. Taylor, S.C. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002; vol 46 (2 suppl): pp S41-S62. Pigmentation disorders of the skin are commonly encountered in primary care practice. It's important to note that all these ingredients can be successfully used on dark complexions as long as they are used correctly. Those with sensitive skin are at greatest risk for pigmentation problems. Alaluf, S. Pigment Cell Research, 2002; vol 15: pp 112-118. It can be congenital or acquired. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002; vol 46 (2 suppl): pp S113-S119. Darker skin burns less and tans more easily. But due to its link to hyperpigmentation, it is of greatest concern for people with dark skin. » Any time dark skin is injured in certain areas, there's an increased risk of keloids -- a scar that spreads beyond the boundary of the original injury and develops into a growth. In hyperpigmentation, the skin either produces too much pigment or the pigment is deposited deep within the skin, resulting in dark spots. thermal burn) or inflammatory disorder of the skin (e.g. Taylor, S.C. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002; vol 46 (2 suppl): pp S98-S106. Incidental sun exposure, like the time you spend walking to the train or sipping a beer on the patio after work, adds up and causes skin damage. Suntan in dark skin It is essential to seek help as soon as possible for any red, itchy rash. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. At the same time, dark skin is more likely to develop pigmentation problems. Pigmentation disorders are often more troublesome in skin of colour. [Sponsored content]. Pityriasis alba Rahman, Z. Cutis, 2001; vol 67: pp 403-406. The hypopigmentation due to inflammatory skin disorders and infections usually resolves by itself over weeks to months once the underlying disorder has been cleared. Oftentimes, it takes a professional burn unit to really make the call. News release, American Academy of Dermatology, Oct. 23, 2002. Skin comes in all colors, from the palest ivory to the darkest brown and nearly every shade in between. It most often occurs in black and Hispanic people, due to the distinct shape of the hair follicle. If dark patches are observed, the main diagnoses to consider are: Localised hyperpigmentation Vitiligo. Pale or white skin burns easily and tans slowly and poorly: it needs more protection against sun exposure. Treatments include cortisone injections, radiation therapy, pressure dressings, and silicone gel applications. It serves as a protective barrier against microorganisms. At the same time, dark skin is more likely to develop pigmentation problems. Localised hypopigmentation may be due to partial or complete loss of melanin (achromoderma or leukoderma). If the bumps are squeezed or manipulated in any way, they can become inflamed or infected. The melanisation process in dark skin is protective against sun damage, but melanisation in white skin (for example after sunburn) is much less protective. One study found its incidence is higher in Mexican-American teens than either whites or blacks. The pigment cells or melanocytes are located at the base of the epidermis and produce the protein melanin. Abnormal lightening of the skin is known as hypopigmentation (decreased pigmentation) while darkening of the skin is known as hyperpigmentation. It is often misdiagnosed, leading to long periods of no treatment or the wrong treatment. Fitzpatrick skin phototype is a … Because it is frequently misdiagnosed as plantar warts (on the soles of the feet), tinea manuum (a fungus occurring on the palms of the hands), or a condition known as talon noir or black heel, and because many people do not seek treatment early on, the melanoma death rate is highest among people with dark skin. The melanocytes of dark-skinned people produce more melanin than those of people with light skin. When vitiligo hits the scalp, hair turns white -- and it's occasionally the cause of prematurely gray hair. See smartphone apps to check your skin. It occurs: A differential diagnosis is carotenaemia, in which the skin colour takes on a yellow-orange hue due to ingestion of coloured vegetables. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. If single or multiple pale or white patches are observed, the main diagnoses to consider are: Localised hypopigmentation Sometimes, ultraviolet light therapy is effective. Because this condition is often confused with acne, it's important to have your diagnosis confirmed by a dermatologist familiar with dark skin. Localised pigmentation may be due to melanin, haemosiderin or externally-derived pigment. This skin condition is characterized by bumps under the surface of the skin, and is often confused with acne. Skin problems, however, are generally color-blind, meaning that most skin conditions can occur in every race and in all skin types. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it performs a number of vital functions. Vitiligo is thought to develop when melanin-producing cells are damaged, though no one is certain why this happens. In fact, any skin care product ingredient that irritates or dries skin increases the risk. Vitiligo occurs in up to 2% of the population but is most noticeable in those with dark skin. This is most true for Asians, Native Americans, and people of African descent. Pityriasis versicolor The following agents can be used to lighten epidermal melanosis, alone or, more effectively, in combination: Resurfacing using chemical peels, laser (especially picosecond laser), intense pulsed light (IPL) or dermabrasion may be effective but unfortunately risks further damage to the epidermis and formation of more pigment.   Third-degree burns are much more difficult. Pallor is much more frequently due to blood loss or anaemia. National Vitiligo Foundation web site. But in people of color, the irritations often give way to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Home Skin colour Pigmentation disorders. The color of all skin stems from cells called melanocytes. DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. The injury is most likely to occur in outdoor activities performed on … It does -- most frequently where skin is lightest, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and around the nail bed. Introduction. This can develop within one to two weeks after stopping the product and can linger for several months or longer. Even minor skin injuries, such as bug bites, can cause an change in skin pigment, allowing dark spots called hyperpigmentation to occur. Surgery and cryotherapy In this condition, skin becomes depigmented. In those with lighter skin, product-related irritation normally subsides once use is discontinued. Treatment includes various procedures to "re-pigment" the skin. Another approach uses the topical eczema oinment tacrolimus, which is sometimes effective. If pigmentation due to melanin affects an exposed site, daily application of broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is important to minimise darkening caused by UVR. Figuring out the degree of a burn depends on which degree you're trying to determine. Still another approach is the use of strong steroid creams, which can be effective if used on certain areas of the body such as the face and neck. The pigment cells or melanocytes are located at the base of the epidermis and produce the protein melanin.Melanin is carried by keratinocytes to the skin surface. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) and Dark Skin.