PIGMENT DISORDER ON THE NECK

introduction

Pigment disorders can occur anywhere on the body. If they appear on the neck, they are often visible and therefore annoying for the patient. Hyperpigmentation is often found on the neck (Melasma), i.e. pigment disorders that present themselves as increased pigmentation of the skin.
Hypopigmentation, that is "underpigmentation" and thus lighter areas of the skin, as it occurs, for example, with vitiligo ("white spot disease"), are less common on the neck.
Common pigment disorders on the neck are simple freckles, and age spots as well. Melasma can occur in pregnant women.

causes

There is a genetic Component when pigmentation disorders occur. Patients whose relatives have pigment disorders are at a higher risk for pigment disorder. Other causes are hormonal Disruptions or the conversion of the Hormones during pregnancy. Allergies and cosmetic products can also cause pigmentation disorders in the neck.
In many cases, however, no cause for a new pigmentation disorder on the neck can be found, because this can occur without a particular reason. Age spots, also called sunspots, are caused by the long-term exposure to UV radiation triggered. If skin is exposed to sunlight for years and decades, the top layer of the skin becomes thickened, the epidermis, and to an increased storage of Melanin into the melanocytes of the skin. Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that produce melanin. Melanin is that brownish pigment dyethat tans the skin and protects against UV radiation. When occurring during pregnancy Melasma The increase in female sex hormones activates the melanocytes, which then produce more melanin. Light pigment disorders on the neck are caused by decreased activity of the melanocytes. Less melanin is produced and the affected skin area becomes lighter.

Symptoms

Pigment disorders on the neck usually do no physical discomfort such as pain or itching. The focus is on the patient's psychological stress caused by the pigment disorder. If a pigmentation disorder in the throat causes pain or itchiness, a dermatologist should take a look for an inflammation exclude the skin. Age spots usually appear 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 who Birth control pills take and in women with hormonal disorders a so-called Melasma occur. (see: Pigment disorder from taking the pill)
Kick most often Pigmentation disorders in the face up, but the neck can also be affected. Melasma does not cause any physical problems either. In many cases, it resolves after pregnancy or after stopping the birth control pill.

diagnosis

A dermatologist can differentiate harmless pigment disorders in the neck from other diseases. For large and / or irregularly shaped age spots, for example, should be Skin cancer screening be excluded that one Skin cancer is behind it. Benign age spots rarely turn into malignant skin cancer. However, malignant skin cancer can be very similar to age spots, which is why large and irregular age spots should be presented to a doctor. The dermatologist will examine the pigment disorder in question with a dermatoscope and, if the diagnosis is questionable, take a tissue sample. Melasma is easy to recognize in pregnant women by its typical appearance: The pigmentation disorder is extensive and dark.

therapy

Since pigment disorders in the neck cannot cause physical problems, treatment is not necessary. However, if the patient concerned is under severe psychological stress, therapy can be started. A fairly invasive method of treating dark pigmentation disorders on the neck is one Laser treatment. The laser destroys the affected cells and removes the dark areas.
Lasering is expensive and can have side effects: inflammation, burning, itching and repeated hyperpigmentation of the affected skin area.
It is less invasive chemical peelperformed with AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), for example. The acid is applied to the affected areas of the skin, the cells of the pigment disorder are thus destroyed. The skin then throws Blow and then heals without renewed pigmentation disorders.
The least invasive is to use skin care products that contain substances that contain the skin Inhibit melanin production. Products containing hydroquinone require a prescription. Skin care products with the following ingredients are available without a prescription: arbutin, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), kojic acid, Vitamin C- derivatives, Retinoic acid and B-resorcinol.

In addition, people who suffer from a pronounced pigmentation disorder can cover up the annoying skin conditions with the help of cosmetics. In the case of hypopigmentation, for example Self-tanner be applied.