One of the common skin concerns in Singapore and perhaps everywhere is skin pigmentation which can affect anyone at any age. “Pigmentation” means color and as the name suggests, skin pigmentation disorders refer to the conditions where skin color is affected. If you have any skin problems like skin pigmentation disorders, you should consult a pigmentation doctor (dermatologist). You can start your search for a dermatologist or a pigmentation doctor in Singapore by clicking on this link- https://onefaceclinic.com/why-doesnt-pigmentation-improve-after-lasers/. Read on further to learn more about skin pigmentation disorders and the common treatments provided by a skin pigmentation doctor in Singapore.
The pigment melanin, which is produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes, is what gives skin its color. Skin damage brought on by different causes can change the amount of melanin produced. Variations in the amount of melanin produced by the skin cause the skin’s color to change, either lightening or darkening. There is a potential that particular areas of your skin or other portions of its surface will display differences in your skin tone, which could result in the appearance of a skin pigmentation problem.
Depigmentation, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation are the three categories into which skin pigment disorders can be classified. Loss of pigment results in depigmentation, which turns the skin white by robbing it of its natural color. Loss of pigment can be temporary or irreversible, partial or whole. Contrarily, in the case of hypopigmentation, the skin becomes paler (than its natural color) as a result of decreased melanin production caused by prior skin injuries from chemical exposure, burns, blisters, ulcers, or infections, eczema and other inflammatory skin disorders (such as psoriasis), and uncommon genetic disorders like albinism (a deficiency in the enzyme that produces melanin). Hyperpigmentation, on the other hand, is a condition in which the skin becomes darker than usual due to an excess of melanin. Birthmarks, age marks (spots on the skin), and acne scars will all cause the skin to become hyperpigmented. Hyperpigmentation can also be brought on by pregnancy in women, which increases the likelihood of the brown, gray, or tan blotches known as melasma on the face. Additionally, having Addison’s Disease, an uncommon illness, might result in black patches on the skin. UV radiation exposure and the usage of light or lasers are additional causes of hyperpigmentation. Singapore in particular has a tropical climate which poses a risk of excessive sunlight exposure that can increase hyperpigmentation issues.
Pigmentation doctors in Singapore do not have universal treatments for skin pigmentation. A carefully designed procedure considering the patient’s needs and skin type will have to be determined by the pigmentation doctor as an effective treatment for one patient might not be for another, particularly if their skin types and degrees of skin pigmentation issues differ. To diagnose, the pigmentation doctor in Singapore will have to examine the patient’s specific condition by doing a physical exam, conducting specific laboratory/diagnostic tests (e.g. biopsy, UV light/wood lamp, blood test, etc.), looking into the family and medical history, among others. The doctor will have to thoroughly check for areas of the skin where skin tone will look different (lighter or darker spots/patches, moles, etc.) to be able to have an accurate diagnosis. Pigmentation doctors in Singapore, after considering a lot of factors, will then diagnose and devise an ideal approach for treatment.
Here are the common skin pigmentation disorders and the typical treatment provided by pigmentation doctors (or dermatologists) in Singapore:
- Freckles
Freckles are usually seen in young people and look like little patches or dashes of pepper on the skin (like the nose and cheeks). Treatment for freckles can range from simple, topical creams to use of laser treatments.
- Melasma
Melasma looks several little spots on the forehead or cheekbones on both sides and is frequently found in middle-aged Asian women with darker skin tones; Also often associated with advancing age, genetics, hormonal, vascular, and solar exposure. Treatment for Melasma will depend on the degree of pigmentation and ranges from use of medical grade creams (like hydroquinone) for mild cases and the use of lasers and chemical peels for severe cases.
● Hori’s naevus
Hori’s naevus is a condition that is also common among Middle-aged Asian women and looks like a cluster of dark bluish-gray splotches on the forehead, nose, or cheeks; can be passed on/inherited in the family. These are considered deep pigmentation and will require an experienced/skilled pigmentation doctor. Use of topical creams for treatment is not applicable, leaving laser treatment as the only option for removal.
● Solar Lentigo.
Solar Lentigo are several or just one mark on the face that typically looks rounded, clearly defined, and of a single color and usually happens to those who have spent a lot of time in the sun. Same with freckles, options for Solar lentigo include topical creams and the use of laser treatments.
● Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH are pigments on the skin that lack definition and have a feathery appearance and occur following a skin damage, inflammatory reaction, or infection (such as an acne outbreak, incorrect pimple popping, skin procedures, inappropriate cosmetics, etc.). Treatment for PIH is same with melasma and effectiveness of treatment will rely on the pigmentation doctor’s skill and experience.
● Age-spots/Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis looks like pimples that appear to be stuck on and have a rough, warty appearance which is common in older people and those with a history of them in the family. Removal is done through use of ablative laser surgery or electrocautery which are both simple and nearly painless procedures.
It should be emphasized that in order to get the desired outcomes, it is always essential to seek assistance from a competent, knowledgeable, and experienced dermatologist or pigmentation doctor in Singapore. The effectiveness of the treatment also depends on the patient’s ability to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations after treatment. Gaining the outcomes you want and avoiding recurrences of the skin pigmentation problems will also depend on changing some habits related to skin care and general health care.
One Face Clinic — Dr David Ng Cheow Hua
1 Tras Link #02-01 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Phone: +65 6222 2262
WhatsApp/WeChat: +65 9822 2989
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