discoloration of skin

Right when I started to gain weight as a child, my skin took on this blotchy coloration. It is generally a pale peach color with small red and white spots, the spots are around a third of an inch wide or smaller. I've had alot of people ask if I was allergic to sunlight because the discoloration is more noticable in natural light then under a man-made one. It covers my whole body and is one reason I wear long sleeves and pants, aside from my weight.

Also, I have recently noticed that my birthmark (a four inch long and three inch wide 'leaf' shaped brown patch on the back of my right calf, slightly raised and grows rough, black hair) is starting to get small hard lumps and white patches.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The blotchy discoloration can be due to hyperpigmentation skin which is darkening that occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

Treatment involves hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist before using them.

Regarding the bumps on the birthmark, it is best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist as any change in a birth mark or mole should be evaluated from a doctor.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[kgosiking]

bump

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The blotchy discoloration can be due to hyperpigmentation skin which is darkening that occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.

Treatment involves hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist before using them.

Regarding the bumps on the birthmark, it is best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist as any change in a birth mark or mole should be evaluated from a doctor.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.