Question 1

how important is it to have a pigmentation change on my cheek looked at?

Accepted Answer

Very important.: If it is cancer you would want to have it treated as soon as possible.

Question 2

what are the reasons for pigmentation changes on the joints of my hand?

Accepted Answer

Often hormonal: Pigmentation occurs from the substance melanin, which with light activation also makes people tan.  Knuckle hyper pigmentation can occur with physiological aging; inflammation from burns, acne; hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. When generalized it can be of concern to the patient but is not a functional problem that leads to any concern.

Question 3

what would cause splotchy skin pigmentation changes on my chest, shoulders, and neck that pop up every summer ?

Accepted Answer

Tinea versicolor: This is a benign fungal infection. The fungus prevents even tanning that becomes more apparent upon getting sun exposure, particularly in the summer. You can treat it by applying a dandruff shampoo like Nizoral (ketoconazole) for 10 minutes before showering each day for 1-2 weeks. This will often eliminate the fungus and the skin color will then gradually even out upon additional tanning.

Question 4

can plucking facial hair with tweezers cause the skin to change pigmentation color around hairs that i tweeze leading to permanent damage? thanks

Accepted Answer

Scarring: Hi,
Not likely from just pulling hair out alone, however whenever there is trauma to hair follicles that cause irritation/inflammation, it's possible that scarring can occur afterwards that causes your skin to look darker (similar to how some acne scars can have a darker pigmentation to them. Hope this helps.

Question 5

i have noticed a change in pigmentation on my penis, specifically the glands and area where circumcised below glands. white patch like areas. more prominent after a bath. no pain or other symptoms. i do a fair bit of running.  wondering if fungus ?

Accepted Answer

Possible fungus: The only way to know for sure and to get appropriate treatment is to see your doctor.  Catching this early on is best.  Peace and good health.

Question 6

what could cause changes in skin pigmentation?

Accepted Answer

Sun, hormones, meds: Most common causes of increased pigmentation are sun exposure, hormones (ie: pregnancy, fertility treatments, oral contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy), and medications (ie: minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfa drugs) or combination thereof. Certain diseases associated with hormonal imbalance such as addison's or cushing's can also cause excess pigment.

Question 7

what can cause a change in skin pigmentation around the eyes?

Accepted Answer

Allergies: Dark pigmentation around the eyes is commonly caused by allergy, and may be due to repeated episodes of swelling as well as itching and eye rubbing. Broken lid vessels lead to pigmentation. Certain glaucoma eye drops are known for skin pigmentation, as is Latisse (bimatoprost) for eyelash growth (if it gets onto the skin). Decreased pigmentation can occur which cholesterol deposits (xanthelasma) and vitiligo.

Question 8

difference between melanoma and a labial melanotic macule? especially if the pigmentation doesnt have any cancer signs. is it safe to watch the area for changes over a month or so?

Accepted Answer

: If concerned about melanoma the lesion should be seen by a dermatologist as soon as possible, best in person in case a biopsy is needed.  ABAsymmetry: One half does not match the other half.Border: The edges are not smooth.
Color:  color is mottled and uneven, w/ shades of brown, black, gray, red or white.
Diameter: size a pencil eraser 6mm, Evolving size new or changing  size, shape color

Question 9

new(not sure) 2 black spot inside each lower eyelid in same place(outer corner). only visible when lid pull down. not raised, no other symptoms. no significant eyesight change. new moles? benign pigmentation issues? i'm scared it could be cancer.help?

Accepted Answer

: What you described is highly unlikely to be a melanoma. You may discuss it with your doctor next time you her/him.
For healthy diet: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/., exercise 30 minutes/day, drink enough water daily so your urine is mostly colorless, have safe sex, no tobacco alcohol weed or street drugs. 
Get HPV and Covid vaccines. Wish you good health!

Question 10

my son suffers from eczema but recently his skin pigmentation is changing. skin darkening and inflammation on his face. what can be the cause? what should we do to help him?

Accepted Answer

Change of color: Inflammation can cause either change in skin color:  decreased, or hypopigmentation,  and increased, or hyperpigmentation.  The texture of the skin can also change, with rubbing or scratching.  If this is not the usual color change you see, it is best to have it looked at.  Meanwhile, using sunscreen for children on the area can protect the skin but wont likely change color.

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Doctor answers about:

Pigmentation change

A member asked:

How important is it to have a pigmentation change on my cheek looked at?

A member asked:

What are the reasons for pigmentation changes on the joints of my hand?

A member asked:

What would cause splotchy skin pigmentation changes on my chest, shoulders, and neck that pop up every summer ?

A member asked:

Can plucking facial hair with tweezers cause the skin to change pigmentation color around hairs that i tweeze leading to permanent damage? thanks

A member asked:

I have noticed a change in pigmentation on my penis, specifically the glands and area where circumcised below glands. white patch like areas. more prominent after a bath. no pain or other symptoms. i do a fair bit of running. wondering if fungus ?

A member asked:

What could cause changes in skin pigmentation?

A member asked:

What can cause a change in skin pigmentation around the eyes?

A member asked:

Difference between melanoma and a labial melanotic macule? especially if the pigmentation doesnt have any cancer signs. is it safe to watch the area for changes over a month or so?

A member asked:

New(not sure) 2 black spot inside each lower eyelid in same place(outer corner). only visible when lid pull down. not raised, no other symptoms. no significant eyesight change. new moles? benign pigmentation issues? i'm scared it could be cancer.help?

A member asked:

My son suffers from eczema but recently his skin pigmentation is changing. skin darkening and inflammation on his face. what can be the cause? what should we do to help him?

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