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An introduction to discoloration
Dermatologists treat many different forms of discoloration. While you may immediately think of brown spots or dark hyperpigmentation, certain skin types and patients may be at increased risk of developing spots or patches that are lighter than the surrounding skin. These conditions are referred to as hypopigmentation. There are numerous ways that both hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation can manifest.
To effectively improve the appearance of your trouble areas, the team at AVIVA Dermatology in Houston, Texas, must first understand the nature of your concerning spot. Remember that some serious conditions, like cancers, can resemble cosmetic or benign spots and growths. So, it is essential for our experienced and skilled dermatologists, Drs Simone Stalling MD, PhD, FAAD and Rosannah Velasquez, MD, to first accurately diagnose your discoloration. From there, we can recommend appropriate treatments or next steps to support your healthiest, most attractive skin.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes its color. Melanin is produced by special cells called melanocytes. When these cells make too much melanin, they can cluster together to create darker spots that are noticeably different from that of the surrounding skin. Depending on the nature of your dark discoloration, it may be caused by exposure to harmful UV light/radiation from tanning, hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, and systemic diseases such as diabetes. Injuries to the skin and skin diseases (like acne) can also leave behind dark marks.
What types of hyperpigmentation do you treat?
As complete dermatology services providers, our practice is equipped to treat hyperpigmentation in all of its forms. Depending on your complexion and skin tone, these spots may appear brownish, pinkish, gray, black, or purple. They also vary considerably in size and shape. For instance, “age spots” are larger than freckles and tend to stick around even in the winter when their smaller counterparts tend to fade. Melasma is more widespread than age spots or solar lentigines. These large, patchy areas are sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy” because pregnant women are at risk of developing them due to hormonal fluctuations. Type 2 diabetics may be vulnerable to acanthosis nigricans, a condition characterized by dark areas in the skin folds (such as the armpits and groin). Post-inflammatory darkening can often be painful reminders of past acne breakouts, burns, wounds, and other trauma to the skin.
What causes hypopigmentation?
Dark spots are associated with the production of too much melanin. Likewise, hypopigmentation, or areas lighter than the surrounding skin, is associated with too little melanin. Melanocytes may produce insufficient melanin pigment due to burns, infections, chemicals, blisters, and other injuries. Additionally, hyperpigmentation is a symptom of skin conditions like vitiligo, psoriasis, and eczema.
What types of hypopigmentation do you treat?
Similar to hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation takes on many different forms – all of which can be treated at our office by our expert specialists. As injuries or conditions such as eczema and acne heal, scars or lightened areas may be left behind. These areas are often very noticeable, as they can be much whiter than the surrounding skin. They can also present as large white bumps or irregularly-shaped patches. Vitiligo arises when the body’s immune system turns on itself and destroys the melanocytes, resulting in decreased melanin production. This condition presents as small white spots called “macules” or larger patches. It can also cause hair in the affected areas to turn gray, silver, or white.
Do I need to wear SPF daily?
Yes. Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage skin discoloration. Ultraviolet rays are present even on cloudy days and can worsen existing dark spots while triggering new areas of pigmentation. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied every morning and reapplied during extended outdoor activities. Daily sun protection also helps maintain the results of professional treatments and medical-grade skincare products like ALLHue SkinCare exclusive to AVIVA Dermatology can be used to improve an uneven skin tone.
What kind of procedure can I benefit from?
The ideal treatment depends on the type, depth, and cause of your discoloration. Some patients achieve excellent results with chemical peels that gently exfoliate pigmented skin cells, while others benefit from laser treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL), microneedling, or prescription topical medications. In many cases, combining procedures with a customized skincare routine produces the best outcome. During your consultation, Dr. Simone Stalling will evaluate your skin, determine the underlying cause of your pigmentation, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your skin type and goals.
What causes discoloration?
Skin discoloration develops when pigment-producing cells create too much melanin in certain areas. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes, but hormonal fluctuations, acne breakouts, eczema, allergic reactions, skin injuries, medications, aging, and genetics may also contribute. Different conditions—including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sunspots—can appear similar but respond differently to treatment. An accurate diagnosis is important because treating the wrong condition may delay improvement or increase irritation. Identifying the underlying cause allows your dermatologist to recommend the safest and most effective approach for restoring a more even complexion.
Why can’t I use hydroquinone indefinitely?
Hydroquinone is considered one of the most effective prescription ingredients for treating excess pigmentation, but it is generally intended for short-term use under medical supervision. Continuous use for extended periods may increase the risk of skin irritation, uneven lightening, or, in rare cases, exogenous ochronosis, a blue-gray discoloration that can be difficult to treat. For this reason, dermatologists often recommend treatment cycles followed by maintenance therapy using alternative brightening ingredients. Dr. Stalling may rotate hydroquinone with medications such as azelaic acid, retinoids, vitamin C, or other pigment-correcting products to help maintain results while protecting your skin.
Why do all injuries heal dark?
Dark marks that remain after acne, insect bites, cuts, burns, rashes, or other skin injuries are usually caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. During the healing process, inflammation stimulates pigment-producing cells to generate extra melanin, leaving behind areas of discoloration after the original injury has resolved. This response is especially common in individuals with medium to darker skin tones. Picking at blemishes or scratching irritated skin can make discoloration worse and prolong healing. Fortunately, these spots often improve over time, and professional treatments combined with proper sun protection and medical-grade skincare can help fade them more quickly and evenly.
How do you treat skin discoloration?
Available therapies at the Office of AVIVA Dermatology are as vast as the conditions and types of discoloration we treat! Here again, the treatment process starts with an evaluation. Once we understand what may be at work and responsible for your distressing skin concerns, we can recommend treatments, including a combination of medications, light-based/laser therapy, chemical peels, other forms of resurfacing, and more. Schedule your consultation by contacting our Houston, Texas office at (713) 468-0303 today.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding areas. This happens when an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, forms deposits in the skin. While it’s not usually harmful, it can frustrate many individuals.
There are several causes of hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure is a major factor as UV rays can trigger melanin production. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or from taking certain medications, can also lead to this condition. Skin injuries like cuts, burns, or acne can also result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
At Aviva Dermatology, we understand how important it is for you to feel confident in your skin. That’s why we offer a range of effective treatments tailored to your needs. From topical treatments that lighten dark spots to advanced laser therapies that target deeper pigmentation, we have solutions that can help restore your skin’s natural tone and radiance.
It’s important to remember that while over-the-counter products can be helpful, they may not always provide the results you’re looking for. Consulting with a dermatologist can make a significant difference. We can assess your skin type and the severity of your hyperpigmentation and recommend the best course of action.
In addition to treatments, we emphasize the importance of prevention. Daily sunscreen use is crucial in protecting your skin from further damage. We can guide you on the best sun protection practices and recommend products that suit your skin type.
Please call us at (713) 468-0303 to schedule a consultation.
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