Pigmentation Disease
Melanin is a brown pigment that affects the shade and color of your skin. Sunlight increases the production of melanin, causing people to tan or darken. According to Merck, if the melanin is uneven, such as it is in people with fair complexions, the result is varied colored spots, or freckles.
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Albinism
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Albinism is a condition in which an inherited gene prevents the production of melanin. Cleveland Clinic indicates that people with this condition are at a higher risk of sun damage and skin cancer. There is no cure for this disorder, which most commonly affects Caucasians.
Melasma
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Melasma is a condition in which your forehead, nose, upper lip, cheeks and chin have tan or brown patches. It may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Vitiligo
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Vitiligo is a loss of pigmentation due to your immune system attacking your pigment cells, causing white skin patches around your eyes, your mouth or on the back of your hands. It may be associated with diabetes, thyroid disease, pernicious anemia or Addison's disease. Treatment may include drugs that increase light sensitivity, and ultraviolet light treatment.
Pityriasis Alba
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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, pityriasis alba--round patches of light skin that is covered with scales--most commonly affects children. Treated with topical medications, it is the result of eczema and the pigmentation loss is temporary.
Hemochromatosis
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Hemochromatosis is a condition in which your body absorbs too much iron, which results in darkening skin.
Jaundice
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An increase of bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the liver breaking down blood cells, in your blood imparts a yellowish color to your skin and the whites of your eyes. This can be due to certain drugs that cause inflammation of your liver, or it may be a sign of liver disease.
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References
- Photo Credit "Let the anger arise" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: lisa_at_home2002 (Lisa H) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
