Cause
As different as the appearance of the various pigmentation disorders of the skin is, so different are the respective causes for them. In many cases, it is not clear why a particular pigment disorder occurs. Causes of pigment disorders can also cause pigment disorders that are irreversible, whereas there are certain causes of changes that cause reversible pigment disorders.
Irreversible pigment disorders can occur, for example, when taking certain medications, but they disappear again when the medication is discontinued. Other causes can be: genetic factors, presumably there are many more possible causes for the occurrence of the pigment disorders, but these have not yet been fully clarified.
- Hormonal changes,
- Irritation of the skin by pressure or radiation,
- Certain autoimmune processes,
- Inflammatory skin diseases.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of skin pigmentation disorders can be made by a doctor. Specialists in this field are dermatologists or the treating general practitioner. When diagnosing skin pigmentation disorders, it is important to distinguish them from diseases that have a disease value and require therapy.
Melanoma, a form of cancer that originates from the melanocytes of the skin and should definitely be treated.A so-called dermatoscope is used to distinguish a harmless pigment disorder from a melanoma. With this, the areas can be examined under the magnifying glass and, under certain circumstances, a diagnosis can already be made. In order to distinguish a pigment disorder from a melanoma, various points are taken into account: In most pigment disorders, these points are inconspicuous or are only present in isolated cases.
If individual points are present, there is not necessarily cause for concern, as some pigment changes may well be associated with a certain conspicuousness for a melanoma. However, pigment changes should always be observed so that a sudden change in the area is registered and a doctor can be consulted for clarification.
- Symmetry – the more asymmetric the change is, the more noticeable it is.
- Diameter – From a diameter of more than 0.5cm a change is noticeable.
- Color – the more different color shades there are, the more noticeable the change.
- Limitation – the less clear the limitation of the change, the more noticeable it is.
- Sublime – sublime (lifted from the skin) pigmentation disorders are conspicuous.
