What is the biggest external cause of pigmentation disorders?

Author: Ms. Marian Runte  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

The biggest external cause of pigmentation disorders is sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun stimulate melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin (skin pigment).

What is the largest external cause of pigmentation disorders?

The most frequent cause of hyperpigmentation is exposure to the sun, which heavily stimulates melanin production. A recent study (Figure 2) demonstrated how early sun exposure might worsen dark spots, by making them resemble melasma, post-inflammatory spots, and age spots [24].

What is the cause of pigmentation disorder?

If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin.

What internal factor influences pigmentation disorders?

Other intrinsic factors that help regulate skin pigmentation include fibroblasts in the dermis that affect overlying melanocytes and keratinocytes, endocrine factors from the blood supply, as well as neural factors and inflammation-related factors.

What is the most common clinical pattern seen in disorders of hyperpigmentation?

There are three typical patterns of distribution: centrofacial (63%), malar (21%), and mandibular (16%). It is usually, but not always, bilateral. Epidermal melasma tends to be light brown, enhancing under Wood Lamp examination. Dermal melasma appears grayish in color and is nonenhancing.

Disorders of pigmentation II MRCS/USMLE/PLAB

What causes increased pigmentation?

What triggers hyperpigmentation? Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

Which vitamin deficiency causes pigmentation on the face?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Which organ is responsible for pigmentation?

2.2. Mechanism of melanin formation. Melanocytes, which account for approximately 10% of the cells in the basal layer of the skin, serve as the primary producer of Melanin throughout the body.

What autoimmune disease affects pigmentation?

Vitiligo occurs when immune cells destroy the cells that make brown pigment (melanocytes). This destruction is thought to be due to an autoimmune problem. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system, which normally protects the body from infection, attacks and destroys healthy body tissue instead.

What to eat to reduce pigmentation?

7 Foods to Reduce Pigmentation
  • Pomegranate. ...
  • Papaya. ...
  • Fatty Fish. ...
  • Carrot. ...
  • Green vegetables. ...
  • Sweet Potato. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Cleanse: Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash to eliminate dust, dirt, and pollution trapped under the skin.

Why is my body producing too much melanin?

When you spend time out in the sun, your body produces more melanin. The substance absorbs light from UV rays and redistributes it toward the upper layers of skin. It also protects the genetic material stored in your cells by keeping out harmful UV rays.

How to remove dark knuckles in 1 week?

To effectively address dark knees, elbows, and knuckles, you'll need to consistently exfoliate and moisturise these areas with skincare products containing ingredients like kojic acid or vitamin C to gradually lighten and smooth the skin in these areas.

What are two causes of pigment disorders?

Sun exposure, hormones, and birth control pills are thought to cause melasma.

Why is my face getting darker without sun?

If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.

What disease takes away pigment?

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. It's unclear exactly what causes these pigment cells to fail or die.

What disease did Michael Jackson have?

Jackson's dermatologist, Arnold Klein, said he observed in 1983 that Jackson had vitiligo, a condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment. He also identified discoid lupus erythematosus in Jackson. He diagnosed Jackson with lupus that year, and with vitiligo in 1986.

What does your skin look like with Addison's disease?

Symptoms of Addison's disease include: Steadily worsening fatigue (most common symptom). Patches of dark skin (hyperpigmentation), especially around scars and skin creases and on your gums.

What deficiency causes pigmentation?

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.

Does drinking water help hyperpigmentation?

Does Drinking Water Help Pigmentation? Research notes that increasing how much water you drink everyday can positively impact the skin's overall health and appearance. 5 This suggests, that in some cases, staying hydrated may help with some types of skin pigmentation.

Can B12 reverse hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an early and reversible sign of vitamin B 12 deficiency, which must be promptly recognised and corrected. The cause of B12 deficiency must be identified and additionally treated.

Why am I suddenly getting pigmentation on my face?

Causes of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when skin cells produce too much melanin, the protein pigment that colors our skin and hair. This may occur due to hereditary factors, medical conditions, medications, and external influences. Common causes include: sun exposure.

What does a B12 rash look like?

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.

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