Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Skin - abnormally dark or light

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Vitiligo, drug induced
Vitiligo, drug induced
Vitiligo on the face
Vitiligo on the face
Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg
Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg
Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg
Incontinentia pigmenti on the leg
Hyperpigmentation 2
Hyperpigmentation 2
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - calf
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - calf
Hyperpigmentation w/malignancy
Hyperpigmentation w/malignancy
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2

Alternative Names    Return to top

Hyperpigmentation; Hypopigmentation

Definition    Return to top

Skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition.

See also: Skin color, patchy

Considerations    Return to top

Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the substance that gives skin its color.

Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin.

Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented skin.

Pale skin areas are due to too little melanin or underactive melanocytes. Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes.

Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there. Bronzing may also be seen on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. The bronze color can range from light to dark (in fair-skinned people) with the degree of darkness due to the underlying cause.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Over-the-counter creams are available for lightening the skin. If you use these creams, follow instructions carefully and don't use one for more than 3 weeks at a time. Darker skin requires greater care when using these preparations. Cosmetics may also help cover a discoloration.

Avoid too much sun exposure. Always use sunscreen.

Abnormally dark skin may continue even after treatment. Experts recommend emotional support or counseling.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your doctor for an appointment if you have:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, including:

Tests that may be done include:

Your doctor may recommend creams, ointments, surgery, or phototherapy, depending on the type of skin condition you have. The following articles offer more detailed treatment information.

Some skin color changes may return to normal without treatment.

Update Date: 4/16/2007

Updated by: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.