Discolored patches of skin can be either lighter or darker than the skin surrounding it. While some skin discoloration does not necessarily indicate a problematic skin condition, skin discoloration that frequently recurs or does not cease with over-the-counter treatments may indicate a more serious problem. If the skin is darker, it could indicate a problem with blood flow. Lighter-than-usual skin also can indicate a fungal infection.
Venous Stasis
Venous stasis is a skin condition associated with skin darkening as a result of blood pooling in the legs because of decreased blood flow to the heart, according to LovetoKnow Skincare. When the blood flow does not reach the heart, it can result in leg swelling, especially in the veins. The skin also may appear darker in certain areas and can be painful due to restricted blood flow. Because this condition can lead to blood clots that can break off and cause a heart attack, this condition can be serious.
Melasma
Melasma is skin darkening that occurs chiefly on the face, according to Medline Plus. Women are especially susceptible to this skin condition because estrogen and progesterone hormones are associated with greater occurrences of melasma. The sun also may exacerbate this condition. While it is not a serious health condition, a physician may prescribe a steroid cream or a mixture of several topical acids to reduce the melasma's appearance.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition that results in skin lightening where the skin appears white in patches. This is because vitiligo involves the malfunction of the pigment melanin, which gives the skin its color, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is not uncommon to observe small areas of discoloration that seem to be spreading when a person has vitiligo. When this occurs, it's important to seek treatment to prevent the spread of vitiligo, including topical steroid treatment and even light therapy.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition that causes facial redness and is commonly mistaken for acne, according to the National Rosacea Society. Rosacea symptoms can be characterized by redness on the facial areas, visible blood vessels on the face, small bumps that are not filled with pus or sebum, and watery eyes. This condition does not have a cure but can be controlled through topical creams or even treatment with a pulsed-dye laser.
