At Ascension Medical Group Seton Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat adults and children with acne, skin damage, burns, scars, moles, skin cancer and other conditions. Our doctors specialize in preventive skin cancer care. We provide ongoing observation of patients with high risk of melanoma using digital total body photography to monitor changes in moles over time. We also use the latest tools for early detection, mole mapping, and artificial intelligence. Our goal is to find skin cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Advanced care for skin discoloration
There are many things that may cause skin discoloration. Sometimes the body makes too much or too little melanin, the chemical that gives skin its color. Hypo-pigmentation occurs when the body produces less than the normal amount of melanin, resulting in light or white skin. Hyper-pigmentation occurs when the body produces too much melanin, and affected areas of the skin look brown or dark brown.
Our dermatology team cares for conditions that cause skin discoloration, including:
- Vitiligo – a condition where patches of skin lose color.
- Melasma – a skin condition where grayish-brown patches begin to appear on the face and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to sun.
- Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation – a discoloration that results from skin inflammation like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or even a bug bite.
- Age spots – brown or dark brown spots that result from repeated and unprotected exposure to sun.
While most skin discolorations are harmless, some skin discolorations can be a sign of skin cancer. If you notice changes in your skin, call 512-325-9650 to schedule an appointment with an Ascension dermatologist to get a skin evaluation.
Protecting your skin
Many skin discolorations are increased by sun exposure. Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible during the middle of the day, always wear a good sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and remember to protect your skin even on cloudy days.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 512-324-9699.
