Skin Pigmentation Treatment Geelong

How is Skin Pigmentation Formed?

Skin pigmentation can be formed based on a person’s genetic background, which is a result of both biological parents genetic makeup.

The other way in which an individual can produce pigment is through direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) in particular UVB light. This exposure to UVB increases the production of specific pigment cells to produce melanin commonly known as “melanogenesis”.  This is the skins ways of protecting itself from the harmful rays produced by the sun. The result from this is commonly seen as the development of freckles and other small-pigmented lesions.

However, in this section discussing pigmentation concerns we are going to predominately discuss the two main pigmented conditions that are commonly seen Melasma and Vitilgo.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes symmetrical blotchy, brownish pigmentation. Melasma is commonly seen in a centrofacial pattern located on the forehead, cheeks nose and upper lip. In some cases, it has been seen in just the cheek or jawline regions.

“Melasma Images” by DermNet New Zealand is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 NZ

This particular condition is more commonly identified in women between the ages of 20 to 40.

What causes Melasma?

There are many factors that contribute to the exacerbation of Melasma. These can include:

Genetic Predisposition

Sun exposure and Sun damage

Pregnancy

Certain Medications- such as the contraceptive pill and cancer medications

How is Melasma treated?

Unfortunately, Melasma is a notoriously difficult condition to treat as it is easily aggravated by the sun and light. Here at CRC we can improve the overall appearance of this condition. However, complete eradication is virtually impossible.

We recommend that you come in for a consult with an experienced dermal clinician and Ms. Corduff to determine an appropriate treatment plan. You may prescribe a topical ointment to act as a bleaching agent for the skin as well as assisting in stopping the over-production of pigmented cells causing this condition.

Intensive Skin treatments

These are designed to assist in lifting any superficial pigment that begins to arise to the surface of the skin following the application of the topical ointment. These need to be performed monthly and are at a cost of $87.00 per treatment.

Find our more about intensive skin treatments at CRC.

Laser therapy

Q-Switch lasers are highly effective in treating melasma. These devices emit wavelengths of light at fast, short intervals of energy resulting in producing a photoacoustic response. This leads to the shattering of pigmented granules allowing the body’s natural processes to come and eliminate the unwanted pigment.

Find out more about laser therapy at CRC.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation condition, which results in the loss of pigmented cells. This condition is commonly referred to as the “Michael Jackson condition”. The exact cause of this condition is unknown although thoughts have been raised as to whether it is associated as part of a deregulated immune response. Vitiligo can go through periods of stabilization and exacerbation

What are the common sites for Vitiligo to develop?

Vitiligo is commonly seen on the face, fingers, toes, body folds and genitalia.

How can Vitiligo be Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. General measures taken for those who have this condition include:

Wearing protective clothing

Cosmetic Camouflage with the use of make-up

High Protection Physical Sunscreen

Topical ointments such as corticosteroid creams and calcineurin inhibitors