What Causes Discoloration of the Skin?
Our skin contains cells that are called melanocytes, which produce melanin or pigment. Melanin gives our skin its color. Some people have a lot of melanin whereas others, who are fair, don't. If an individual has too much melanin, she has hyper-pigmented skin. Too little pigment results in hypo-pigmentation. Pale skin is the result of underactive melanocytes.
-
Venous Stasis
-
Possible causes of skin darkening include a condition called venous stasis, where the blood flow in the veins, primarily in the legs, decreases. This may be the result of varicose veins or congestive heart failure, according to Skincare.lovetoknow.com. Symptoms of this condition include a darkening and thickening of the skin, swelling and deep ulcers and sores.
Melasma
-
Another condition that can cause skin darkening is melasma. This condition occurs on the face and generally strikes pregnant women or females who are taking birth control pills. Melasma is sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy." Anyone can develop melasma, although you are at a higher risk if you live in a warm climate or are dark-skinned.
-
Rosacea
-
If you are a fair-skinned person who turns very red, you may have a condition called rosacea. Rosacea starts out as facial blushing and then transitions into a permanent red color. Often, an individual will have thick, bumpy skin and very noticeable blood vessels. Eating spicy foods can worsen this condition, as can extreme temperatures.
Vitiligo
-
When an individual completely loses all of his pigment, this is caused by a condition called vitiligo, which is prompted by pernicious anemia, decreased adrenal gland function or thyroid problems. When skin-lightening of this nature occurs, it may be the result of an auto-toxic reaction or an auto-immune response during which pigment cells are attacked.
Addison's Disease
-
An individual's skin can become bronze-colored if they are suffering from Addison's disease, which is an endocrine disorder, take certain medications or have post-inflammatory hype-rpigmentation. The bronze color can be dark or light and will spread over the body. It normally starts on the elbows, knees and knuckles. It will be apparent on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Cyanosis, Cushing's and Raynaud's
-
Blue-tinged skin is the result of cynanosis, which means that there isn't enough oxygen in an individual's blood supply, according to Healthdiscovery.com. A condition called Raynaud's phenomenon can cause fingers and hands to turn blue. If an individual has streaks on his skin that are reddish-blue, this may indicate that he is suffering from Cushing's syndrome, which is an adrenal gland disorder. Too much cortisol is secreted when a person has Cushing's.
-
