Pigmentation refers to the coloration of the skin, hair, and other tissues in the body. It is primarily determined by the presence and distribution of a pigment called melanin, which is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanin is responsible for the varying shades of skin color in different individuals and helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
There are two main types of pigmentation:
1. Normal Pigmentation: Normal pigmentation results in a balanced distribution of melanin, leading to the natural skin color of an individual. The amount and type of melanin present in the skin are primarily determined by genetics and ethnic background.
2. Abnormal Pigmentation: Abnormal pigmentation refers to changes in the normal coloration of the skin. This can occur due to various factors, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, skin disorders, medications, injuries, and aging. Some common examples of abnormal pigmentation include:
- Hyperpigmentation: This occurs when certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to an overproduction of melanin. Hyperpigmentation can be caused by sun exposure (sunspots or age spots), melasma (often occurs during pregnancy or due to hormonal changes), post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (resulting from skin inflammation or injury), and certain medical conditions.
- Hypopigmentation: Hypopigmentation refers to areas of the skin that are lighter or have reduced melanin content. It can be caused by conditions like vitiligo, albinism, or post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (after skin inflammation or injury).
- Discoloration: Discoloration may involve uneven distribution of melanin, leading to irregular patches of light or dark skin.
Treatment of pigmentation-related issues depends on the underlying cause and the type of pigmentation problem. Common treatments include topical creams, laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and cryotherapy.
It's essential to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure, as UV radiation can exacerbate pigmentation issues and increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. If you have concerns about pigmentation changes on your skin, it's recommended to consult with a dermatologist or a healthcare professional specializing in skin conditions. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, determine the cause of the pigmentation problem, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Want to know more about Pigmentation In Thailand, Please consult Professor Somyos Kunachak,he was trained in Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University School of Medicine as well as from several academic bodies in Europe and America. He has been practicing plastic surgery in Thailand for more than 25 years and is running a private practice alongside his career as a fulltime Educator for more than 20years.
During this period, Prof. Kunachak amassed training experiences not just in the field of Plastic Surgery, but also in Anti-Aging Medicine, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Chinese Acupuncture, Laser Medicine and Surgery, Minimal Invasive Surgery and while doing so, authored and published more than 30 scientific and medical researches.
Prof. Kunachak has just recently retired from the academe but his natural affinity to be an educator extends to accepting a consultancy position in his university for the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.