Blog

Common Dyschromia Causes

At Metro Dermatology, we have a significant number of patients come to our office for treatment of dyschromia skin, which is basically an abnormality in the color of your skin. Dyschromia causes vary.

What is Dyschromia?

Your skin has cells called melanocytes.  These melanocytes contain melanosomes that are responsible for the color of your skin.  The more melanosomes that are present, the darker the color of the skin.  On the flip side, the fewer melanosomes present, the lighter the color of the skin.  A disorder in the uniformity of the skin’s pigmentation is called dyschromia skin.

How is Dyschromia Expressed?

Since the condition is a disorder of the pigmentation of the skin, we see it expressed in many common ways.  Generally, it shows as hyperpigmentation or dark patches of skin surrounded by lighter skin.  Skin conditions that are examples of dyschromia definition skin are:

  • Freckles
  • Age spots
  • Lentigines
  • Melasma
  • Age spots
  • Liver spots
  • Chloasma

Many expressions of hyperpigmentation occur following sunlight exposure.  They are more prevalent in places like the face, arms, and hands. However, conditions like melasma and chloasma are caused by hormonal fluctuations.  Age and liver spots are two of the most common forms of dyschromia.

What are the Symptoms?

Dyschromia is a condition of the skin, so its symptoms are observed on the skin’s surface.  When affected, the skin can look patchy or red and purple.  The constriction of blood vessels causes color changes in the skin.  The hindrance of blood flow causes blood accumulation and patches of redness on the skin. Pain and difficulty breathing are possible symptoms as well.

What are the Causes?

As mentioned before, there are many forms of dyschromia.  Each has a unique appearance, and the causes of pigmentation issues vary.  The causes we most commonly see are:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Cuts
  • Scrapes
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chloasma
  • Mongolian blue spots
  • Wounds
  • Moles
  • Medication-induced photosensitivity
  • Insect bites
  • Bathing trunk nevi
  • Giant nevi
  • Suntan
  • Sunburn
  • Melasma
  • Rashes
  • Minor skin infections
  • Melanoma
  • Erythrasma
  • Pityriasis alba
  • Tinea versicolor
  • Vitiligo

If you would like to learn about dyschromia treatment how to correct your pigmentation concerns, visit Metro Dermatology, with offices located in Elmhurst, Flushing, Englewood, and the Bronx. Contact us today for a consultation!

John Kim

Recent Posts

Eternal Sculpting: Understanding How Long Body Contouring Lasts

Body contouring is a dynamic approach to reshaping and refining physical appearance, serving as a…

3 days ago

Demystifying Hyperpigmentation and Hypopigmentation: Dyschromia Explained

Changes in skin coloration are a normal part of life; no one has a perfectly…

1 month ago

CoolSculpting vs. Liposuction: Choosing the Right Body Contouring Option

In pursuing aesthetic perfection or simply desiring a more contoured physique, many find themselves at…

2 months ago

Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Dyschromia

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed uneven skin color? Perhaps some areas…

2 months ago

What Does Acne on Your Forehead Mean?

For individuals struggling with breakouts on the upper half of their face, learning how to…

4 months ago