What Causes Dyschromia and How to Treat It

Dyschromia is an incredibly common condition in which the skin has either too much pigment or not enough pigment, resulting in patches of uneven skin tone. Dark patches are typically referred to as hyperpigmentation or melasma, while light patches are usually referred to as hypopigmentation or vitiligo. While it’s typically harmless, many people find this condition very distressing and seek treatment to fix it. Luckily, practices like Metro Dermatology now offer laser treatments and other solutions for dyschromia. Here are the most common causes of dyschromia and treatment options to correct it.
Causes of Melasma
There are a few different things that can cause melasma. One of the most common is changes in hormones. Many people develop dark patches on their skin during pregnancy or when they start new birth control pills as a reaction to the change in hormone levels. You may also experience melasma as a result of sun exposure, because the UV rays cause reactions in the cells that change the pigment color.
Causes of Vitiligo
There are a variety of causes of vitiligo, and these causes are actually quite different from the causes of melasma. Vitiligo is often passed down genetically through families, or it can happen as a reaction to a very traumatic life event. Another common cause of this condition is an autoimmune disorder, which essentially destroys the pigment in the skin. It can also happen as a result of severe skin damage.
Treating Melasma
There are a few different laser treatments available for melasma, which can essentially break up the hyperpigmentation in the skin and stimulate the body’s natural healing responses. Another treatment is vitamin C iontophoresis. In this treatment, concentrated amounts of vitamin C are delivered to the skin via an electric current, which reduces the skin’s production of melanin.
Treating Vitiligo
Treating vitiligo is a bit more complex, as the treatments can vary depending on what’s causing the discoloration. Light therapy and medications are both common treatments. If you are interested in vitiligo treatment, you will need to consult with our dermatologist, who can come up with a custom treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you suffer from dyschromia and would like to achieve a more even skin tone, don’t hesitate to seek help from a dermatologist. Contact the experts at Metro Dermatology today to schedule your consultation. We are conveniently located in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood, and the Bronx. They can help you find the appropriate treatment for your skin condition, and help you enhance your natural beauty by improving your skin quality.