Ever notice a discoloration in patches of your skin? It could be dyschromia.

Dyschromia is a condition marked by an alteration of color on the skin, hair or nails. The color of the skin is dependent on how many melanocytes a person has. Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation are used to describe light or dark patches on the skin. Melasma is often a diagnosis of dark patches, whereas Vitiligo typically is a diagnosis of light patches.

Physical symptoms generally do not occur with dyschromia, though in certain cases patients may experience itching.

The causes of dyschromia can vary. The most common causes are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, cuts, scrapes, moles, medication-induced photosensitivity, vitiligo, sunburn, insect bites, wounds, radiation therapy, erythrasma, etc.