Skin discoloration can affect large or small patches of skin.

It can be a natural part of aging or the sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

This article explains the different types of skin discoloration, including melasma, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Liver spots, or age spots, on an elderly woman’s skin.

CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

It also details different skin discoloration treatments and when to see a dermatologist about skin discoloration.

Signs and Symptoms

Sunspots mostly appear in adults aged 50 or over.

Age spots are not harmful, but some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Detail of the hands of a girl with skin depigmentation or vitiligo

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Vitiligo often causes white patches on the face, neck, hands, and creases of the skin.

The condition pops up if melanin cells die or stop functioning.

It is considered an autoimmune condition, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body.

Big birthmarks and freckles on the girl’s skin. Medical health photo of back. Woman’s oily skin with problems acne.

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There are several forms of vitiligo, including generalized vitiligo and segmental vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a common disorder, affecting between 0.5% and 1% of the population worldwide.

It can also occur on the scalp, and can lead to patches of gray or white hair.

Severely injured hand from scald or accident,Hands that are scar after surgery

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Sometimes, birthmarks begin to fade as a person ages, but they may become more visible with age.

Most birthmarks are not likely to pose any health risks, but some may cause a problem later.

Each specific throw in of trauma or wound may present with different discoloration patterns on the skin.

Skin problem, Closeup skin face asian women with spot melasma.

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This may also be brought on by underlying illnesses.

It is considered a medical emergency.

The treatment of an injury-related skin discoloration will vary depending on the injury.

Skin Fungus, Tinea Versicolor on the human back.

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For sunburns, healing typically occurs on its own over time.

Aloe vera can be used to help relieve symptoms of pain during the healing process.

Treatment for burns include:

Rashes usually heal on their own.

Palmar crease pigmentation in Addison disease

DermNet NZ

A visit with your healthcare provider will help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Wound treatment will also depend on the punch in and will generally include pain medications.

Treatmentis often sought for cosmetic reasons.

Medical dermatitis (eczema) on human skin

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In some instances, such as if the condition occurred during pregnancy, the discoloration may fade over time.

When yeast on the skin grows in overabundance, it can lead to a skin rash.

This bang out of skin discoloration is not contagious and unlikely to cause serious health risks.

Rosacea

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It is common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.

They may also:

The first-line treatment for tinea versicolor is over-the-counter antifungal medications.

This can be in the form of soap, shampoo, or creams.

Psoriasis on a woman’s skin. Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells are produced much faster than normal. The body cannot shed the cells fast enough, resulting in patches (plaques) of scaly, thick skin.

RUTH JENKINSON / Getty Images

In more severe cases, treatment may include prescription antifungal medications.

You should protect your skin from the sun and not tan while recovering from this condition.

Addison’s Disease

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Addisons diseaseis a rare disorder that affects the adrenal glands.

Melanoma, Skin Cancer

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Forms of dermatitis includecontact dermatitis,eczema, andseborrheicdermatitis(dandruff).

It is most common in people with fair skin.

Rosacea can flare up at any time, and it is typically cyclical.

Not everyone with the condition will experience flare-ups with the same lifestyle factors.

The main symptom of rosacea is frequent redness and visible blood vessels on the face.

The two main factors when it comes to managing skin disorders are proper medication and a good skincare routine.

Treatment options include:

For those with rosacea, home remedies may be helpful when coupled with medical treatment.

There are different types of psoriasis, and each punch in will present with different symptoms.

The five other types of psoriasis areguttate psoriasis,nail psoriasis,inverse psoriasis,pustular psoriasis, anderythrodermicpsoriasis.

Prescriptions can be used to help address more serious cases of the disease.

The recently FDA-approved non-steroidal topical cream VTAMA (tapinarof) offers a new treatment option.

app is once-daily and there is a high chance of clearance in adults with localized plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis does not leave permanent scars, but many people experience psoriasis that doesn’t seem to go away.

These are usually only used briefly, such as during a psoriasis flare.

Skin cancer can be a mild and easily treatable condition.

The three main types of skin cancer arebasal cell carcinoma.squamous cell carcinoma, andmelanoma.

The symptoms of skin cancer will vary depending on the bang out and progression of the disease.

For example, in the initial stages, removal of the growth or mole is enough.

But don’t be surprised if progress is slow.

Consider using cosmetics to conceal spots or even out skin tone to help get results.

Treatment and prevention will depend on the underlying cause of your skin changes.

Home remedies and over-the-counter products can help to treat symptoms.

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