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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Medical Symptoms Guide > Patchy Skin Color

Skin Color - Patchy

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview & Considerations

Common Causes

Home Care & Treatment

Call your Health Care Provider if

What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

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Alternate Names : Dyschromia, Mottling


Definition

Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin that can be caused either by variations in pigment density (melanin), changes in blood vessels (vascular changes), or growth of foreign organisms on the skin. Mottling or mottled skin refers specifically to vascular changes in the skin which cause a patchy appearance.

Pictures & Images

Acanthosis Nigricans - Close-Up
Acanthosis Nigricans - Close-Up

Acanthosis Nigricans on the Hand
Acanthosis Nigricans on the Hand

Neurofibromatosis, Giant Cafe-Au-Lait Spot
Neurofibromatosis, Giant Cafe-Au-Lait Spot

Vitiligo, Drug Induced
Vitiligo, Drug Induced

Vitiligo on the Face
Vitiligo on the Face

Cutis Marmorata on the Leg
Cutis Marmorata on the Leg

     See all Pictures & Images
Overview & Considerations

Melanin is a pigment produced in the skin cells that causes skin coloration. An amino acid, tyrosine, is converted to melanin through a series of complex chemical steps in the skin cells. This process may be affected by heredity, heat, trauma, solar or ionizing radiation, heavy metals, and other factors. Pigment production and distribution in the body is regulated in part by hormones. Changes in any of these factors can result in hyperpigmentation (increase in pigment production), hypopigmentation (decrease in pigment production), or both. The changes may be temporary or permanent. Pigment changes can be primary (existing as a separate disorder) or secondary to other disorders.

A person's degree of skin pigmentation determines, to some extent, the various dermatological diseases to which a person may be susceptible. Lighter-skinned people are more sensitive to sun exposure and damage and the subsequent development of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma). Excessive sun exposure is a risk factor even for darker-skinned people.

Generally, pigmentary changes are cosmetic and do not affect physical health. However, psychological stress can occur because of pigmentary changes. Some pigment changes may indicate a risk for other disorders.


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Definition
Patchy Skin Color: Overview & Considerations
Patchy Skin Color: Common Causes
Patchy Skin Color: Home Care & Treatment
Call your Health Care Provider if
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Birthmarks - Pigmented
Cancer
Erythrasma
Melasma
Mongolian Blue Spots
Pityriasis Alba
Ringworm
Skin Cancer
Squamous Cell Cancer
Vitiligo

Tests & Exams

Wood's Lamp

Other Topics

Cuts and Puncture Wounds
Insect Bites and Stings
Melanin
Physical Examination
Radiation Therapy
Rashes
Skin - Abnormally Dark or Light
Stress and Anxiety
Sunburn

Review Date : 11/11/2001
Reviewed By : Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Main Page of Patchy Skin Color






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