Melanin, a natural skin pigment, is responsible for giving your skin, eyeballs, and hair their characteristic color. Depending on the type and quantity of melanin present, these colors vary. When the melanocytes make less melanin, the hair and skin color are lighter, and if it is produced in excess, the color is darker. The body makes more melanin to protect your skin when exposed to sun rays.
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Does a dark vertical streak on the nail indicate cancer?
Query: Hello doctor,My daughter has a vertical dark streak along her nail on the middle finger only. It has been there for three months now. There is no known trauma.Could I ask what you suggest we should do? It seems to be darker than before. We went to a dermatologist and they told us not to worry becaus... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. At present, she is suffering from longitudinal melanonychia. It is due to the overactivity of the melanocytes, leading to more melanin synthesis. At present, there is no sign of malignancy. Nevertheless, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. Hope it helps. Re... Read Full »
I am just fed up with my dark complexion. Please prescribe me some skin whitening product.
Query: Hello Doctor, I am just fed up with my dark complexion. Please prescribe me some skin whitening product. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Natural complexion is the best. Cosmetics do more harm than good. You can avoid them. Melanin pigment in the skin protects against cancers. Presence of more melanin in the skin gives the dark complexion. You can use sunscreen lotions which help in preventing tan d... Read Full »
What causes a grayish discoloration on the penile tip?
Query: Hello doctor,I noticed a grayish discoloration on the tip of my penis. It is present for more than three weeks. It is painful and highly sensitive. Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello doctor, I understand your concern. It looks like melanosis, which is nothing but the deposition of melanin pigment at one particular site. It may happen over the shaft, at the tip of the (glans) penis, over lips, or inside of the mouth. It is idiopathic. The majority of the time, it remains ... Read Full »
How to reduce pigmentation due to melasma on the face?
Query: Hi doctor,I have pigmentation with dark spots and melasma on my face for the past 16 years. I have taken a lot of medication and consulted many dermatologists. But there is no relief. My past medications are Claripex, Dermaclean, Cybele scagel, Sangobian, Evion, Glutamax, Colophylum, Lycopodium, and... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Melasma occurs due to the sensitivity of dark color-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin. In some cases, some of the cells present in the affected area become more sensitive to the sun and they produce more pigments. The reason behind it is not clear. Avoi... Read Full »
How to prevent graying of hair?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 36-year-old female. I am looking for a treatment for turning my white hair to black. Are there any recommended hair darkening lotions or organic shampoo bars? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Do you smoke? Are your serum iron or ferritin, or hemoglobin? Are you anemic? Do you have an autoimmune disorder, thyroid issues? What about your drug history? Do you use harsh chemicals loaded with chemicals? Do you use a hairdryer? What water do you use to take a ... Read Full »
Is harmless black spot on the penis a worrisome issue?
Query: Hello doctor, I have a tiny hard spot on the head of my penis. It does not bother me unless I mess with it. It has been there for many many years, but just recently I have noticed a bit of pain when I am just sitting around. It is probably the size of a pinhead and it is dark in color. I have not h... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from a tiny hard spot on the head of the penis. This type of tiny spot can result from various reasons such as mole produced from over secretion of melanin by skin cells. They are har... Read Full »
Will regular masturbation cause discoloration of penile head?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 21 years old. I have been worried because my penis head has turned blackish and I have horizontal wrinkles on it. I masturbate once a day for the past three years and often forget to clean the sperm after masturbating. Please suggest. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concerns. I have gone through the attached images (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and it is true that there is some black discoloration at the glans penis (penis head) but it does not look like symptom of any i... Read Full »
I have noticed mole like spots in my eye with light colored with yellowish red patch. Is it a tumor?
Query: Hello doctor, I have noticed mole like spots in my eye and light colored yellow red patch. I do not have any problem in vision or itchiness. I noticed it two months back but I do not know when did it develop. I have attached the photograph of the eye. Is it a tumor? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the picture you sent (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is totally normal. What you are mentioning as a mole is like spots. Those are normal melanin pigments deposited in the conjunctiva. They are not a tumor. You should be concerne... Read Full »
After PPP removal, some dark lines appeared on my penis. What are they?
Query: Hi doctor, I am 27 years old. Four months ago, I had the PPP removal along with CO2. Now, for the last 30 days, I have been noticing some dark lines on my penis head. Is that something to worry? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Please attach a picture to ascertain if it is something to worry. Thank you. Revert back with a photo to a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist Read Full »
Is there any solution to make my face match my body color?
Query: Hello doctor,My face is so dark when compared to my body. I am a sports person so from my childhood I am exposed to sunlight a lot. Is there any solution to come back to my body color? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. You should use sunscreens with SPF 50 or more daily. Try to avoid sun exposure as possible. The creams used to increase skin color will do more harm than good. Melanin is the pigment which causes darkening. Its production increases on exposure... Read Full »