Synonyms
Hyperpigmentation forehead, hypopigmentation forehead, depigmentation forehead, white spot disease, vitiligo
Definition
The term “pigment disorder” summarizes a series of diseases that are characterized by a disturbed formation of the skin’s color pigments. This disorder can lead to an altered skin appearance in persons with pigment disorders on the forehead. The natural pigmentation of the skin surface is controlled by certain cells of the epidermis (melanocytes).
These epidermal cells form a brownish-black color pigment (melanin), which gives the human skin its natural color. The formation of these color pigments is stimulated by sunlight on the skin surface. Melanin basically has a protective function.
The color pigment is intended to prevent UV rays from penetrating the epidermis and reaching the deeper skin layers. Pigment disorders become apparent when the synthesis of the color pigments cannot proceed in an appropriate manner. As a result, localized or extensive color changes occur in affected individuals.
In general, a distinction must be made between two different forms of pigment disorders on the forehead. While so-called “hyperpigmentation”, which is based on an excess of melanin, leads to the development of darker skin areas, hypopigmentation is characterized by a melanin deficiency that leads to lighter patches. In the area of the forehead, hyperpigmentation such as age spots, freckles and so-called melasma are among the most common pigmentation disorders.
Hypopigmentations on the forehead, however, are comparatively rare. The occurrence of a pigment disorder on the forehead is not uncommon. In this context, however, the various forms of pigment disorder can be observed mainly in certain age groups.
While freckles are mainly found in young people, age spots only form in people who have reached the age of 40. In addition, some of the typical pigment disorders on the forehead are gender-specific. In general, it can be assumed that a pigment disorder on the forehead does not have a pathological character. Nevertheless, many of those affected suffer from the conspicuous spots. A pigment disorder on the forehead is therefore more of a burden on the self-confidence and psyche of some of those affected.