Discolored skin patches and what it means
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Dark or discolored skin patches are areas on the skin with some form of irregularity or different color which is usually not there. They are a typical problem with a broad variety of potential causes. A few of the more typical causes for the changes are illness, injury, and inflammatory issues. These patches appear more in certain areas of the skin due to a difference in melanin levels. Melanin is the compound that provides color to the skin and safeguards it from the sun. Overproduction of melanin can lead to skin discoloration.
Conditions that trigger discolored skin patches
Various conditions can trigger discolored skin patches. Below are the most common
Radiation treatment can lead to discolored skin patches
Occurs to people treated with radiation
Symptoms of radiation treatment on the skin
- Loss of hair in the treatment region
- Blistering, itching, dryness, and peeling of the skin
Sunburn leads to discolored skin patches
This is a surface burn on the outermost layer of skin
Symptoms of sunburn on the skin
- Inflammation, discomfort, and swelling
- Dry, peeling skin
- More serious, blistering burns may take place after extended durations of sun exposure
Candida and discolored skin patches
Usually takes place in skin folds. That is; between the fingers and toes, under breast, underarms, and buttocks.
Symptoms of candida on the skin
- The symptoms start with itching, stinging, and burning red rash.
- Progresses to broken and sore skin with blisters and pustules that may become contaminated with bacteria.
Rosacea and discolored skin patches
This skin disease keeps fading and relapsing in cycles. Relapses might be set off by spicy foods, stress, sunshine, alcohol, and the digestive tract germs Helicobacter pylori.
Symptoms of rosacea on the skin
- The four types of rosacea have a variety of signs.
- The common symptoms are facial flushing, skin dryness, red bumps, facial soreness, and skin sensitivity.
Burns and skin patches
This condition is considered a medical emergency situation. Immediate care might be needed.
Categories of skin burns
- Burn seriousness is categorized by both size and depth.
- First-degree burns: characterized by minor swelling and dry, tender red skin that turns white when pressure is used.
- Second-degree burns: it is clear, weeping blisters and skin that appears red or has irregular pigmentation. It is really painful.
- Third-degree burns: the area turns white or dark brown/tan, with leathery appearance and little to no sensitivity to touch.
Burns and skin patches
This condition is considered a medical emergency situation. Immediate care might be needed.
Categories of skin burns
- Burn seriousness is categorized by both size and depth.
- First-degree burns: characterized by minor swelling and dry, tender red skin that turns white when pressure is used.
- Second-degree burns: it is clear, weeping blisters and skin that appears red or has irregular pigmentation. It is really painful.
- Third-degree burns: the area turns white or dark brown/tan, with leathery appearance and little to no sensitivity to touch.
Tinea versicolor and discolored skin patches
This is a slow-growing pink, white, brown, tan, or red spots on the skin that might be lighter or darker than your regular skin color.
Symptoms of tinea versicolor on the skin
- Dry, flaky, and mildly itchy skin.
- The skin area does not tan.
- Spots might disappear in cold weather and come back in the hotter seasons.
Contact dermatitis and discolored skin patches
It can take any time from hours to days for the symptoms to appear after contact with an allergen. Rash has noticeable borders and appears at the area of contact.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
- Skin is itchy, red, scaly, or raw.
- Blisters that weep ooze or end up being crusty.
Strawberry nevus and discolored skin patches
Purplish or red raised mark found on the face, back, chest, or scalp.
Symptoms of strawberry nevus
- Appears at birth or at an early age.
- Slowly gets smaller sized or vanishes as the child ages.
Eczema and discolored skin patches
This is a yellow or white patch that flakes off.
Symptoms of eczema
- Impacted locations might be red, scratchy, or oily.
- Hair loss might take place in the location with the rash.
Bleeding into the skin can cause discolored skin patches
This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required. Takes place when a capillary bursts or leakages under the skin. Bleeding into the skin can look like little dots, called petechiae, or in bigger, flat patches called purpura. The most typical reason for bleeding under the skin is an injury; however, it might be a sign of a bigger disease. If the bleeding is not caused by any injury you are aware of, or if it is causing extreme swelling, then you should see a doctor.
Vitiligo and discolored skin patches
This is caused by the destruction of the autoimmune of the cells that give skin its color. The loss of skin color can be in just a couple of small locations that might join. This is the focal pattern. The depigmentation can also be on one side alone. This is the segmental pattern. The victims can experience early graying of the scalp and/or facial hair.
Stasis ulcer and discolored skin patches
This takes place where there is bad blood flow, usually in the feet and lower legs.
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis
- Agonizing, irregularly shaped, shallow wounds with crusting and weeping.
- Poor healing.
Melasma and discolored skin patches
This is a typical skin problem that triggers dark patches to appear on the face. In rare cases, melasma also appears on the neck, chest, or arms. This condition is common in people with darker skin and pregnant women. If you are heavily exposed to the sun, you also are at risk. No other signs beyond skin staining. This condition can be irreversible or can go away on its own.
What triggers discolored skin patches?
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There are numerous prospective causes of discolored skin patches, varying from minor issues to more major medical conditions.
Discolored skin patches can be caused by burns
All sorts of burn damage your skin, and when they heal, there may be scar tissue of a different color. Discolored skin patches can also appear when you do not apply sunblock in a proper manner, causing a patchy tan. Particular medications can likewise make your skin more sensitive to the sun so that it’s most likely to turn red.
Infections can cause discolored skin patches
Various infections can cause changes in skin color. Cuts and scrapes might end up being contaminated when bacteria enter the wound, leading to a skin infection. Infections change the skin texture turning the surrounding skin white or red. Fungal infections, such as ringworm, candida fungus, and tinea versicolor can likewise trigger discolored skin patches on numerous parts of the body.
Autoimmune diseases and allergies can cause discolored skin patches
The body immune system normally works to keep the body healthy by battling hazardous invaders that trigger infections and disease.However, if you have autoimmune diseases and allergies, the immune system confuses healthy cells for something foreign and fights them. This sets off inflammation throughout the body, resulting in redness.Allergies to foods, plants, or irritants can as well lead to discolored skin patches in various areas of the body. These changes might appear as rashes or raised bumps that itch or burn.
Skin cancer causes discolored skin patches
Cancer can alter the skin’s color or texture. When the genetic materials in skin cells get damaged, it may lead to skin cancer. The damage is usually caused by extended sun damage or direct exposure to chemicals. The cells overgrow and form a mass of cancer cells. There are numerous kinds of skin cancer, all requiring treatment.
How are discolored skin patches diagnosed?
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You should see a doctor in case of the following symptoms.
- Long lasting change in skin pigmentation
- A new growth or mole in the skin
- If an existing mole changes in size and appearance
The doctor will perform an exam on the skin patch. They will also ask you some of the questions below:
- when you saw the changes in skin color.
- how fast the changes took place.
- if the discoloration is worsening.
- any other signs you may be experiencing along with discolored skin.
The doctor should also know about any skin injuries and sunburns. If you take hormone medications or if you are pregnant you should also make it known. These aspects may play a role in your skin changes. If there is no obvious cause of the depigmentation, the dermatologist will carry out the following tests;
- blood tests to find the causes of skin depigmentation
- Wood’s lamp assessment to identify possible fungal or bacterial infections.
- skin biopsy to look for unusual cells.
How to get rid of discolored or dark skin patches
The treatment depends on the causes of change in color. If your doctor finds a hidden health condition, they will try to treat that particular condition first. The skin discoloration might be resolved with medical treatments or natural home remedy, or a combination of treatments.
Medical treatments for discolored skin patches
Laser therapy for discolored skin patches
Intense pulsed light gadgets and Q-switched lasers are frequently utilized to assist lighten skin areas that have been darkened.
Topical creams for discolored skin patches
Topical hydroquinone or prescription retinol cream may help reduce the look of dark skin patches.
Chemical peels for discolored skin patches
Chemical peels containing glycolic acid and salicylic acid can be used to get rid of the external, discolored layer of skin. See your doctor regarding the best medical treatment for your condition. You should clearly understand the efficiency of the method, the cost of the treatment and the side effects associated with the treatment before coming to a decision.
Home remedy for discolored skin patches
Over-the-counter creams for discolored skin patches
Vitamin A or vitamin E cream can help in reducing the look of skin discoloration and increase general skin health.
Lemon juice for discolored skin patches
Lemon juice can lighten the skin. Using twice a day may reduce the look of discolored skin patches within eight weeks.
Castor oil for discolored skin patches
Apply castor oil to discolored areas twice each day, or wear a castor oil-soaked bandage at night. This will break down excess melanin and smoothen the skin.
Vitamin C for discolored skin patches
Eat foods rich in vitamin C, a vital nutrient for skin health. Fruits high in vitamin C are oranges, pineapples, and cantaloupe.
Tea and discolored skin patches
Drinking tea made from red clover, milk thistle, or burdock may lower skin discoloration.
Conclusion on the discolored skin patches
Most changes in the skin color are safe. Some causes are minor and only requires basic treatment. Other causes may be more extreme and require continuous treatment. Skin cancer is very severe, but it can be dealt with successfully when it is identified early. Talk to your doctor in cases of any alarming signs of skin depigmentation.
