Pigment Disorders

If you have vitiligo, melasma, skin of color, or pigmentary disease, Garner Dermatology can help. 

Our dermatologists have extensive expertise in the latest diagnostic and treatment methods to help restore the skin back to its original appearance. Our dermatologists have been studying pigment disorders for decades, making them some of the most qualified caregivers in the DFW Metroplex.

Types of pigment disorders we can treat / diagnose include:

• Melasma: In some women, estrogen, progesterone (female hormones), and sun exposure can cause patches of dark skin on the face. Melasma often develops during pregnancy – but can be the result of other circumstances.
• Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: Dark patches of skin can develop during healing of inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, or after trauma to the skin, such as surgery or certain cosmetic or dermatological procedures.
• Vitiligo: Uneven white patches, which is due to an immune system response targeting melanocytes, develop on the face, elbows, hands, knees, feet, genitals, or more extensive areas.

Typically, pigmentary disorders result from a problem with melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes that helps determine the color of the skin, hair, and eye iris. 

Increased melanin causes darker pigmentation, whereas decreased or missing melanin causes a lighter or white appearance. Pigmentary disorders mostly affect the skin – those that affect the hair and iris are rarer.

Diagnosis of Pigmentary Disorders

Our dermatologists are experts at evaluating symptoms to confirm a diagnosis. We begin with a thorough evaluation that includes a:

• Physical exam
• Review of personal and family medical history
• Discussion of symptoms

Often, a diagnosis can be confirmed based on the appearance of the patient’s skin. Your dermatologist will sometimes order further testing to confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment planning. Make an appointment today for all available tests at our office for these conditions.

Along with a regimented treatment plan, we typically also recommend minimizing sun exposure through lifestyle changes such as:

• Applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
• Wearing sun-protective clothing
• Avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Contact us today to make your appointment and discuss all your skincare needs.