The well-respected dermatologist Dr. Wendy Roberts shares her views on the growing interests toward the spectrum of skin types that Asian population have and on the treatment of the mosaic of their skin. Her expertly views are quoted in an article written by Lisette Hilton for the publication “Dermatology Times”.
According to Rancho Mirage-based Dr. Roberts, hyperpigmentation is one of the more prominent skin disorders that affect many Asians. Pigmentation is defined as the coloring of a person’s skin.
So when a person is healthy, the skin will appear normal in color. On the other hand, when he or she is having illness or injury, the person’s skin may change color to either darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation).
When one experiences hyperpigmentation, there is increase in skin melanin, the substance in the body that is responsible for color (pigment). Some of the possible hyperpigmentation causes, or a combination of causes, may include:
– Sunlight Exposure
– Pregnancy
– Addison’s Disease (decreased function of the adrenal gland)
– Various Drugs (including some antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, and antimalarial drugs)
Sun exposure indeed is a major hyperpigmentation cause and may likely darken the already hyperpigmented areas.
In choosing treatments for Asian patients, Dr. Roberts reminds her colleagues in dermatology to be cautious about the Asians’ propensity for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. A multi-awarded and celebrated in her own right, Dr. Roberts was also the Founding Director of Dermatopathology of Loma Linda Division of Dermatology.
Schedule a consultation now with Dr. Roberts to determine the overall status of your skin health. Please do so by calling our office at (760) 346-4262 or by submitting this Appointment Form.
