

Pigmentation disorders

Author: A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, 2009. Updated September 2014.


Pigmentation of the skin normally varies according to racial origin (see Fitzpatrick phototypes) and the amount of sun exposure. Pigmentation disorders are often more troublesome in skin of colour.

The pigment cells or melanocytes are located at the base of the epidermis and produce the protein melanin. Melanin is carried by keratinocytes to the skin surface. The melanocytes of dark skinned people produce more melanin than those of people with light skin. More melanin is produced when the skin is injured, for example following exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The melaninisation process in dark skin is protective against sun damage, but melanisation in white skin (for example after sunburn) is much less protective.

Hormonal effects of oestrogen during pregnancy or due to medication can cause pigmentation of nipples, vulva and abdomen (linea nigra).

Some skin diseases and conditions result in generalised or localised hyperpigmentation (increased skin colour or hypermelanosis), hypopigmentation (reduced skin colour or hypomelanosis), or depigmentation (absent skin colour or achromoderma).

A Wood lamp may be used to assess pigmentation during the examination of the skin, as pigmentary changes are often easier to identify while exposing the affected skin to long wavelength ultraviolet rays (UV-A).

Skin colour

Generalised hyperpigmentation

Generalised hyperpigmentation or hypermelanosis may rarely arise from excessive circulating melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), when it often has a bronze hue. It occurs:

A differential diagnosis is carotenaemia, in which the skin colour takes on a yellow-orange hue due to ingestion of coloured vegetables.

Localised hyperpigmentation

Localised pigmentation may be due to melanin, haemosiderin or externally-derived pigment.

If dark patches are observed, the main diagnoses to consider are:

Localised hyperpigmentation

What is the treatment of hyperpigmentation?

If pigmentation due to melanin affects an exposed site, daily application of broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is important to minimise darkening caused by UVR. This is not effective for melanin residing in the dermis or to reduce pigmentation caused by carotene, drug or tattoo. 

Cosmetic camouflage can be used.

The following agents can be used to lighten epidermal melanosis, alone or, more effectively, in combination:

Resurfacing using chemical peels, laser (especially picosecond laser), intense pulsed light (IPL) or dermabrasion may be effective but unfortunately risks further damage to the epidermis and formation of more pigment. Cautious cryotherapy to small areas of postinflammatory pigmentation can be effective but risks causing permanent hypopigmentation.

Cosmetic camouflage using make-up is sometimes the best advice.

Generalised hypopigmentation

Generalised reduction in melanin pigmentation at birth (congenital) may be racial in origin or due to albinism. Pituitary failure resulting in lack of MSH rarely results in acquired generalised hypomelanosis.

Pallor is much more frequently due to blood loss or anaemia.

Localised hypopigmentation

Localised hypopigmentation may be due to partial or complete loss of melanin (achromoderma or leukoderma). it can be congenital or a acquired.

If single or multiple pale or white patches are observed, the main diagnoses to consider are:

Localised hypopigmentation

What is the treatment of hypopigmentation?


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