IDO'S clinic: i donn't like its！

Why do I have these dark spots or patches on my face?

What are they?

How do I get rid of them?

Melanocytes are the pigment bearing cells in our skin. The distribution, quantity and activity of melanin pigments determine the different shades of pigmentation appearing on our body. Upon UV stimulation, sun-exposed areas tend to have darker shades of colour as melanin pigments concentrate over the region and become more active. However, some pigmentation problems may be inborn, such as the birth mark, Nevus of Ota.

Commonest pigmentation problems faced by Asian are melasma and freckles. UV has always been blamed for being the main culprit, but at times, hormonal factors, underlying illness and use of certain drugs and chemicals can actually make matter worse.

Sometimes, patients may present with "bleached" patches / spots on their skin. This is termed hypopigmentation, whereby, usually following skin injuries, the melanin pigments are depleted, thus, the skin is 'stripped' of its natural colour.

The approach to the management of all pigmentation problems is to get the appropriate diagnosis, upon which modes of treatment will be discussed with patients.

Several modes of treatment are used to create synergistic effects and to provide clients with the most satisfactory outcomes. For the common problem like melasma and freckes, laser, using the Q-switched Nd-Yag system, combined with topical medications and adequate sun-protection with sunblock are the main stream treatment options.