Skin Discoloration

Discoloration and brown spots may be caused by acne, eczema, reactions to skin care products, and cuts, scrapes or burns. Experts at the Henry Ford Center for Cosmetic Surgery provide therapies to lighten dark spots and produce a smoothness of color for a discolored complexion. Treatment options include chemical peels and prescription bleaching medications, which are matched to each patient's skin type and condition.

• Melasma, or "mask of pregnancy," is common in many pregnant women and may cause skin discoloration. The change in hormones during pregnancy, during use of birth control pills and during menopause may cause skin discoloration in women.
• Vitiligo is a skin condition that causes pigment loss in the skin and hair, creating irregular white patches of skin. The condition typically develops early in life, but can occur at any age. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatment options. Henry Ford was the first health system in the country to perform the Melanocyte Keratinocyte Transplant Procedure (MKTP) to treat vitiligo. For more information on this procedure, please visit our Vitiligo Center.

The Henry Ford Multicultural Dermatology Clinic specializes in helping people with darker skin. Darker skin can be supersensitive and develop increased pigment (patches of color) during the skin's natural recovery process from common skin problems such as acne, scrapes, or cuts.