melanosis

Melanosis is a general term referring to the abnormal deposition or excessive production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. This can manifest in various ways and affect different parts of the body.

One common form is lentigo, often seen as small, brown or black spots on the skin, particularly on sun-exposed areas. These are sometimes referred to as age spots or liver spots, though they are not related to liver function. Another manifestation is melasma, characterized by larger, darker patches, typically on the face, and often associated with hormonal changes such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.

In some cases, melanosis can be a sign of underlying medical conditions. For example, certain genetic disorders can cause widespread melanosis. It can also be a symptom of inflammatory processes or trauma to the skin, where the skin overreacts by producing more melanin. While most forms of melanosis are benign, any new or changing pigmented lesions should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions like melanoma. Diagnosis usually involves a visual examination and sometimes a biopsy. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and extent of the melanosis and may include topical creams, chemical peels, or laser therapy.