Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by: Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color. Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin. Blood vessel (vascular) changes.
Skin discoloration affects many people. Discoloration may appear as a birthmark or after an infection, or from pigmentation disorders or diseases like cancer. Seek treatment from a healthcare provider for any new or changing moles, markings or skin discoloration.
However, serious health conditions can also cause blotchy skin. This article outlines some of the many potential causes of blotchy skin. They include skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, infections like scarlet fever and shingles, temperature exposure, stress, pregnancy, and more.
Skin lesions associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. Cutaneous lesions that do not respond to conventional therapy can be an indication of vitamin B12 deficiency. Malabsorption is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitiligo (vit-ih-LIE-go) is a disease that causes loss of skin color in patches. The discolored areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect hair and the inside of the mouth.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Skin Disorders
Red, Scaly Patches: These can be itchy and painful, often seen in conditions like psoriasis. Rashes: Lupus and dermatomyositis often cause distinctive rashes on the face and body. Hardening and Tightening of Skin: Scleroderma leads to thick, shiny patches of skin.
Blotchiness and uneven skin tone can be due to many factors including sun exposure and heredity. You may see red, white or dark patches on your skin. These blotchy patches of skin may become more visible when dead surface skin is not regularly exfoliated.
The allergy can be triggered by taking vitamin B12 supplements because B12 contains cobalt atoms. Cobalt allergies most often develop in people exposed to it in eye makeup, tattoos, or industrial products, causing an itchy, red, scaly rash.
Anemia rashes appear as itchy skin or tiny red dots under your skin called petechiae. The rashes are symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and aplastic anemia. Both types of anemia can be serious, but they are very treatable.
A new, widespread rash can be a sign of a more severe issue. If the rash spreads quickly, it could be an allergic reaction. But rashes that spread slowly should also be examined. Some viral infections and other conditions may involve a full-body rash.
Leukemia rashes appear as tiny red spots or purple areas that do not fade when pressed; these are caused by low platelet levels and the rupture of very small blood vessels in the skin. These spots are also known as petechiae or purpura, depending on their size.
Various illnesses, such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, sixth disease, and measles, can cause viral rashes. A viral rash may appear as small bumps, blisters, or patches in various parts of the body. The rash typically goes away once the illness has run its course.
See your health care provider if: The discolored, mottled skin doesn't go away with warming. You have discolored, mottled skin along with other symptoms that concern you. Painful lumps develop in the affected skin.
Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have: Skin discoloration that causes significant concern. Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin.
Treating blotchy skin involves identifying the underlying cause, whether it's environmental, related to skin conditions, or exacerbated by lifestyle factors. Implementing a gentle skincare routine, protecting the skin from sun damage, and consulting a healthcare provider for persistent issues are effective strategies.
People may have a reddish purple rash of tiny dots or larger splotches, caused by bleeding from small blood vessels in the skin. If the liver function has been impaired for a long time, people may itch all over.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Rash symptoms
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), people with chronic kidney disease may have: small, dome-shaped, very itchy bumps. small bumps that have joined to form raised, rough patches. blisters on the hands, face, and feet that may crust over.
Autoimmune and connective tissue disorders that can lead to mottled skin include: Dermatomyositis. Fibromyalgia. Lupus.
Severe mottling of the skin can indicate poor circulation as well as other causes. One possible disease is Livedo reticularis. This affects not just the extremities, but also the trunk. The constriction of the vessels is reduced when one moves from cold air or cold water into warm spaces.
The rash may look red or brown in lighter skin tones. And it may look purple, brown, gray, or ashen in darker skin tones. Other symptoms of stasis dermatitis include: Thick, dry, scaly skin.
Liver spots are flat, dark patches of skin. They are not dangerous or uncomfortable. But you may want treatment for cosmetic reasons. Your dermatologist can recommend creams, lotions, gels or in-office procedures to lighten skin.
The main sign of acanthosis nigricans is dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It often appears in the armpits, groin and back of the neck. It develops slowly. The affected skin might be itchy, have an odor and develop skin tags.