Introduction
Pigment disorders can occur anywhere on the body. If they occur on the neck, they are often visible and therefore disturbing for the patient. Hyperpigmentation (melasma) is often found on the neck, i.e. pigmentation disorders that manifest themselves as increased pigmentation of the skin.
Hypopigmentation, i.e. “under-pigmentation” and thus lighter areas of the skin, such as in vitiligo (“white spot disease”), is less common on the neck. Frequent pigmentation disorders on the neck are simple freckles, in older age also age spots. Melasma can occur in pregnant women.
Causes
There is a genetic component in the occurrence of pigment disorders. Patients whose relatives suffer from pigment disorders have a higher risk of developing a pigment disorder. Other causes are hormonal disorders or the change in hormones during pregnancy.
Allergies and cosmetic products can also trigger pigment disorders in the neck. In many cases, however, no cause can be found for a newly occurring pigment disorder of the neck, because it can occur for no particular reason. Age spots, also known as sun spots, are caused by the prolonged exposure to UV radiation.
If skin is exposed to sunlight for years and decades, the uppermost skin layer, the epidermis, thickens and melanin is stored in the melanocytes of the skin. Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the brownish pigment dye that tans the skin and protects it from UV radiation.
When melasma occurs during pregnancy, the increase in female sex hormones activates the melanocytes, which then produce more melanin. Bright pigmentation disorders of the neck are caused by a reduced activity of the melanocytes. Less melanin is produced and the affected skin area becomes lighter.
Symptoms
Pigment disorders of the neck do not usually cause physical complaints such as pain or itching. The main focus is on the psychological strain that the pigment disorder places on the patient. If a pigment disorder of the neck causes pain or severe itching, a dermatologist should take a look at it to rule out inflammation of the skin.
Age spots usually reappear between the ages of 40 and 60 and appear yellowish to brownish. Most age spots are small and oval to round. In pregnant women, in women taking the contraceptive pill and in women with hormonal disorders a so-called melasma can occur.
(see: Pigment disorder caused by taking the pill)Most frequently pigment disorders occur on the face, but the neck can also be affected. Melasma does not cause any physical problems either. After pregnancy or discontinuation of the contraceptive pill it often recedes.
