Pigmentation Disorders

Hypopigmentation and depigmentation

White or light skin patches are cosmetically bothersome, especially in people with darker skin tones. The assessment of light / white spots is not simple and requires an extensive history of taking and examining the whole body with contempt of wood (UV light). Partial or complete loss of skin/hair pigment can also happen secondary to inflammatory conditions such as eczema, infectious diseases (tinea versicolor), or autoimmune diseases (vitiligo), among others.

Vitiligo is a skin disorder where the melanocytes (the cells that carry the pigment to the skin) are attacked by the own immune system of the patient. Vitiligo can be segmentary (unilateral), classic (bilateral, with predilection of frequent trauma sites, genitals, and hands, around the mouth and around the eyes) or generalized. Vitiligo tends to work in families and is occasionally associated with other autoimmune processes.

In Houston Dermatology and plastic surgery, we will provide you with a complete and comprehensive skin test and you will receive our expert's opinion on the best approach to your condition. We have extensive experience in managing topical and non-steroidal steroid steroid immunomodulators, phototherapy (light treatment) and other cutting-edge approaches to control the disease.

Hyperpigmentation

Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) is a common dermatological condition in patients with darker skin tones. Women and men of Asian, Hispanic and African descent are particularly vulnerable to hyperpigmentation after inflammatory processes (e.g. acne, eczema) cosmetic procedures, hormonal imbalances (melasma, acanthosis nigricans), the use of certain medications or due to genetic conditions.

Melasma is a reticular (net) pattern of hyperpigmentation that affects the forehead, cheeks, and chin, typically associated with the use of oral contraceptives and pregnancy, but can also occur without any obvious triggers. In Houston Dermatology and plastic surgery, we will carefully evaluate the potential causes of melasma and provide you with a series of recommendations to balance your skin tone. We have a great ability in the use of alpha-hydroxy acids, hydroquinone-based creams and a variety of chemical peels and lasers to cope with the brown pigment of the skin.

General recommendations for avoiding or treating melasma:

Avoid sun or daily sun protection with wide SPF 30 + spectrum. In the case of melasma, use of sunscreens of physical barrier (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide) provides additional protection in comparison with sunscreens chemical-based due to its protection against the UVA, the UVB and the natural light.

Reapply the sunscreen every 90 minutes, especially when swimming or playing sports.

The use of large wing hats is highly recommended.

The use of over-the-counter bleaching creams is not advised without professional supervision.