Pigmented lesions usually are no cause for concern. These skin spots and growths are caused by melanocyte cells in the skin. The latter are the cells that produce melanin, the substance that gives colour (pigment) to the skin.
Nearly all adults have at least a few pigmented lesions. Some people are born with these, while others develop them over time from sun exposure, the natural ageing process or changing hormones. Sometimes people develop pigmented lesions when they take medications such as birth control pills or hormone supplements, especially when those medications combine with sun exposure.
Common pigmented lesions include: age spots, birthmarks, freckles and moles. However, some pigmented lesions can develop into different forms of skin cancer. That’s why it’s important for you and your dermatologist to monitor them closely. You might need an examination by a dermatologist for pigmented lesions that change colour, shape, or size.
The colour of pigmented skin lesions is because of melanin, blood or exogenous pigment, such as tattoos.
Monitor and manage your age spots, birthmarks, freckles, and moles to avoid a serious skin condition. Some of the changes to watch for include: colour, diameter, size and new pigmented lesions.
The most common pigmented lesion is a lentigo, which is a concentration of melanocytes in the basal layer of cells. The borders are fuzzy, but it’s not a raised lesion.
At Lasermed, we treat pigmented lesions successfully with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). During June and July we’re offering a special promotion, so don’t miss out: Face: R2 200 (save R300); Face & neck R2 900 (save R700); Face, neck & chest: R3 400 (save R900); Face, neck, chest & hands R4 200 (save R1 600).
