BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPatchy skin colorDyschromia; MottlingPatchy skin color is areas where the skin color is irregular with lighter or darker areas. Mottling or mottled skin refers to blood vessel changes in the skin that cause a patchy appearance. Considerations Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by:Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color MelaninMelanin is a natural substance that gives color (pigment) to: HairSkinThe iris of the eye It is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes. Mel...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin Blood vessel (vascular) changes Inflammation due to certain rashesThe following can increase or decrease melanin production:Your genes Heat Injury Exposure to radiation (such as from the sun) Exposure to heavy metals Changes in hormone levels Certain conditions such as vitiligo Certain fungal infections Certain rashesExposure to sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, especially after taking a medicine called psoralens, may increase skin color (pigmentation). Increased pigment production is called hyperpigmentation, and can result from certain rashes as well as sun exposure.HyperpigmentationAbnormally dark or light skin is skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased pigment production is called hypopigmentation.Skin color changes can be their own condition, or they may be caused by other medical conditions or disorders.How much skin pigmentation you have can help determine which skin diseases you may be more likely to develop. For example, lighter-skinned people are more sensitive to sun exposure and damage. This raises the risk of skin cancers. But even in darker-skinned people, too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancers.Examples of the most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.Basal cell carcinomaBasal cell cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are basal cell cancer. Other common types of skin cancer...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Squamous cell carcinomaSquamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Other common types of skin cancer are:Basal cell cancerMelan...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MelanomaMelanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Generally, skin color changes are cosmetic and do not affect physical health. But, mental stress can occur because of pigment changes. Some pigment changes may be a sign that you are at risk for other medical problems.StressStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Causes of pigment changes may include any of the following:Acanthosis nigricans Acne AcneAcne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits. " Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cafe-au-lait spots Cafe-au-lait spotsA birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cuts, scrapes, wounds, insect bites and minor skin infections Erythrasma ErythrasmaErythrasma is a long-term skin infection caused by bacteria. It commonly occurs in skin folds.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Melasma (chloasma) Melasma (chloasma)Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches of dark skin on areas of the face exposed to the sun.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Melanoma Moles (nevi), bathing trunk nevi, or giant nevi NeviA birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dermal melanocytosis Pityriasis alba Pityriasis albaPityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rashes RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to the sun due to medicine reactions or certain drugs Sunburn or suntan Tinea versicolor Tinea versicolorTinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unevenly applying sunscreen, leading to areas of burn, tan, and no tan VitiligoVitiligoVitiligo is a skin condition in which there is a loss of color (pigment) from areas of skin. This results in uneven white patches that have no pigme...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Home Care In some cases, normal skin color returns on its own.You may use medicated creams that bleach or lighten the skin to reduce discoloration or to even the skin tone where hyperpigmented areas are large or very noticeable. Check with your dermatologist first about using such products. Follow the instructions on the package about how to use such products.Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), ketoconazole, or tolnaftate (Tinactin) lotion can help treat tinea versicolor, which is a fungal infection that can appear as hypopigmented patches. Apply as directed to the affected area daily until the discolored patches disappear. Tinea versicolor often returns, even with treatment.You may use cosmetics or skin dyes to hide skin color changes. Makeup can also help hide mottled skin, but it will not cure the problem.Avoid too much sun exposure and use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Hypopigmented skin sunburns easily, and hyperpigmented skin may get even darker. In darker-skinned people, skin damage may cause permanent hyperpigmentation. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your health care provider if:You have any lasting skin color changes that do not have a known cause You notice a new mole or other growth An existing growth has changed color, size, or appearance What to Expect at Your Office Visit The provider will carefully examine your skin and ask about your medical history. You will also be asked about your skin symptoms, such as when you first noticed your skin color change, if it started suddenly, and if you had any skin injuries.Tests that may be done include:Scrapings of skin lesions Skin biopsy Skin biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wood lamp (ultraviolet light) examination of the skin Wood lampA Wood lamp examination is a test that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to look at the skin closely.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood testsTreatment will depend on the diagnosis of your skin problem.Open ReferencesReferencesCalonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD, eds. McKee's Pathology of the Skin. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.Patterson JW. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 11.Ubriani RR, Clarke LE, Ming ME. Non-neoplastic disorders of pigmentation. In: Busam KJ, Goldblum JR, eds. Dermatopathology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 7.AllVideoImagesTogAcanthosis nigricans - close-up - illustration This photograph demonstrates the hyperpigmented, brownish, velvety lesions of acanthosis nigricans. This skin condition may occur in skin folds such as the axilla (armpit - pictured here), neck, and other areas. In adults, it may be associated with hormonal problems, internal malignancy, obesity, and drugs.Acanthosis nigricans - close-upillustrationAcanthosis nigricans on the hand - illustration This photograph demonstrates brownish, hyperpigmented, velvety plaques overlying the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints of the hands.Acanthosis nigricans on the handillustrationNeurofibromatosis - giant cafe-au-lait spot - illustration People with neurofibromatosis often have more than 6 light brown spots -- cafe-au-lait spots -- larger than 1.5 centimeters. This is a picture of a giant cafe-au-lait spot on a person with neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis - giant cafe-au-lait spotillustrationVitiligo - drug induced - illustration The white spots on this person's face have resulted from drug-induced vitiligo. Loss of melanin, the primary skin pigment, occasionally occurs as a result of medicines, as is the case with this individual. The typical vitiligo lesion is flat and depigmented, but maintains the normal skin texture.Vitiligo - drug inducedillustrationVitiligo on the face - illustration This is a picture of vitiligo on the face. Complete loss of melanin, the primary skin pigment, occurs for unknown reasons. The resulting lesions are white in comparison to the surrounding skin. Vitiligo may occur in the same areas on both sides of the face -- symmetrically -- or it may be patchy -- asymmetrical. The typical vitiligo lesion is flat and depigmented, but maintains the normal skin texture. The dark areas around the eyes are this person's normal skin color.Vitiligo on the faceillustrationHalo nevus - illustration A halo nevus occurs when the body develops an immune response to the pigment cells around a nevus. The pigment disappears and the area becomes white. Often in the process, the nevus itself disappears, leaving a circular white spot.Halo nevusillustrationAcanthosis nigricans - close-up - illustration This photograph demonstrates the hyperpigmented, brownish, velvety lesions of acanthosis nigricans. This skin condition may occur in skin folds such as the axilla (armpit - pictured here), neck, and other areas. In adults, it may be associated with hormonal problems, internal malignancy, obesity, and drugs.Acanthosis nigricans - close-upillustrationAcanthosis nigricans on the hand - illustration This photograph demonstrates brownish, hyperpigmented, velvety plaques overlying the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints of the hands.Acanthosis nigricans on the handillustrationNeurofibromatosis - giant cafe-au-lait spot - illustration People with neurofibromatosis often have more than 6 light brown spots -- cafe-au-lait spots -- larger than 1.5 centimeters. This is a picture of a giant cafe-au-lait spot on a person with neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis - giant cafe-au-lait spotillustrationVitiligo - drug induced - illustration The white spots on this person's face have resulted from drug-induced vitiligo. Loss of melanin, the primary skin pigment, occasionally occurs as a result of medicines, as is the case with this individual. The typical vitiligo lesion is flat and depigmented, but maintains the normal skin texture.Vitiligo - drug inducedillustrationVitiligo on the face - illustration This is a picture of vitiligo on the face. Complete loss of melanin, the primary skin pigment, occurs for unknown reasons. The resulting lesions are white in comparison to the surrounding skin. Vitiligo may occur in the same areas on both sides of the face -- symmetrically -- or it may be patchy -- asymmetrical. The typical vitiligo lesion is flat and depigmented, but maintains the normal skin texture. The dark areas around the eyes are this person's normal skin color.Vitiligo on the faceillustrationHalo nevus - illustration A halo nevus occurs when the body develops an immune response to the pigment cells around a nevus. The pigment disappears and the area becomes white. Often in the process, the nevus itself disappears, leaving a circular white spot.Halo nevusillustrationRelated Information Melanin(Special Topic)Abnormally dark or light skin(Symptoms)Cancer(Condition)Basal cell skin cancer(Condition)Squamous cell skin cancer(Condition)Stress and your health(Symptoms)Anxiety disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 5/31/2022 Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Patchy skin colorDyschromia; MottlingPatchy skin color is areas where the skin color is irregular with lighter or darker areas. Mottling or mottled skin refers to blood vessel changes in the skin that cause a patchy appearance. Considerations Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by:Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color MelaninMelanin is a natural substance that gives color (pigment) to: HairSkinThe iris of the eye It is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes. Mel...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin Blood vessel (vascular) changes Inflammation due to certain rashesThe following can increase or decrease melanin production:Your genes Heat Injury Exposure to radiation (such as from the sun) Exposure to heavy metals Changes in hormone levels Certain conditions such as vitiligo Certain fungal infections Certain rashesExposure to sun or ultraviolet (UV) light, especially after taking a medicine called psoralens, may increase skin color (pigmentation). Increased pigment production is called hyperpigmentation, and can result from certain rashes as well as sun exposure.HyperpigmentationAbnormally dark or light skin is skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Decreased pigment production is called hypopigmentation.Skin color changes can be their own condition, or they may be caused by other medical conditions or disorders.How much skin pigmentation you have can help determine which skin diseases you may be more likely to develop. For example, lighter-skinned people are more sensitive to sun exposure and damage. This raises the risk of skin cancers. But even in darker-skinned people, too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancers.Examples of the most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.Basal cell carcinomaBasal cell cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers are basal cell cancer. Other common types of skin cancer...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Squamous cell carcinomaSquamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Other common types of skin cancer are:Basal cell cancerMelan...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MelanomaMelanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is also the rarest. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Other common types o...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Generally, skin color changes are cosmetic and do not affect physical health. But, mental stress can occur because of pigment changes. Some pigment changes may be a sign that you are at risk for other medical problems.StressStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Causes of pigment changes may include any of the following:Acanthosis nigricans Acne AcneAcne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits. " Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cafe-au-lait spots Cafe-au-lait spotsA birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cuts, scrapes, wounds, insect bites and minor skin infections Erythrasma ErythrasmaErythrasma is a long-term skin infection caused by bacteria. It commonly occurs in skin folds.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Melasma (chloasma) Melasma (chloasma)Melasma is a skin condition that causes patches of dark skin on areas of the face exposed to the sun.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Melanoma Moles (nevi), bathing trunk nevi, or giant nevi NeviA birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dermal melanocytosis Pityriasis alba Pityriasis albaPityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that causes patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Radiation therapy Radiation therapyRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rashes RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sensitivity to the sun due to medicine reactions or certain drugs Sunburn or suntan Tinea versicolor Tinea versicolorTinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the outer layer of the skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unevenly applying sunscreen, leading to areas of burn, tan, and no tan VitiligoVitiligoVitiligo is a skin condition in which there is a loss of color (pigment) from areas of skin. This results in uneven white patches that have no pigme...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Home Care In some cases, normal skin color returns on its own.You may use medicated creams that bleach or lighten the skin to reduce discoloration or to even the skin tone where hyperpigmented areas are large or very noticeable. Check with your dermatologist first about using such products. Follow the instructions on the package about how to use such products.Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), ketoconazole, or tolnaftate (Tinactin) lotion can help treat tinea versicolor, which is a fungal infection that can appear as hypopigmented patches. Apply as directed to the affected area daily until the discolored patches disappear. Tinea versicolor often returns, even with treatment.You may use cosmetics or skin dyes to hide skin color changes. Makeup can also help hide mottled skin, but it will not cure the problem.Avoid too much sun exposure and use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30. Hypopigmented skin sunburns easily, and hyperpigmented skin may get even darker. In darker-skinned people, skin damage may cause permanent hyperpigmentation. When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your health care provider if:You have any lasting skin color changes that do not have a known cause You notice a new mole or other growth An existing growth has changed color, size, or appearance What to Expect at Your Office Visit The provider will carefully examine your skin and ask about your medical history. You will also be asked about your skin symptoms, such as when you first noticed your skin color change, if it started suddenly, and if you had any skin injuries.Tests that may be done include:Scrapings of skin lesions Skin biopsy Skin biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wood lamp (ultraviolet light) examination of the skin Wood lampA Wood lamp examination is a test that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to look at the skin closely.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood testsTreatment will depend on the diagnosis of your skin problem.Open ReferencesReferencesCalonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD, eds. McKee's Pathology of the Skin. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 20.Patterson JW. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 11.Ubriani RR, Clarke LE, Ming ME. Non-neoplastic disorders of pigmentation. In: Busam KJ, Goldblum JR, eds. Dermatopathology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 7.