There are many different types and causes of skin pigmentation. They can be broadly grouped into congenital birthmarks and acquired pigmentation, the non-birthmarks.
Commonly seen pigmented birthmarks
- Lentigenes
- Café-au-liat macule (CALM)
- Naevus of Ota/ Naevus of Ito
- Beckers naevus
- Speckled lentiginous naevus
Treatment of pigmented birthmarks
Generally pigmented birthmarks do not need treatment unless for cosmetic indications. Creams do not work and these birthmarks are removed with pigment specific lasers like the Candela Picoway laser or the Solta Fraxel laser
Types of non -birthmark / acquired skin pigmentation
Non-birthmark skin pigmentation is acquired and usually requires treatment
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Bilateral acquired naevus of Ota (Hori’s naevus)
- Senile lentigene
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Peri-orbital pigmentation (Dark eye rings)
- Pigmented contact dermatitis (Rhiel’’s melanosis)
Treatments for acquired skin pigmentation
- Prescription creams and sunscreen
- Oral pills tranexamic acid, antioxidants
- Removal of causative factors: topical agents, drugs
- Light treatment: Broad band light or optimal pulse technology
- Laser treatment: Pigment specific laser or non-ablative laser
- Thermal mechanical remodelling
- Chemical peels: Fruit acids peel, Trichloroactic acid Peel, Cosmelan peel,
Brightening Peels
