While scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, their appearance often displeases us, leading to a desire for minimization. Numerous over-the-counter products target hyperpigmented or abnormally pigmented scars. However, options for normalizing scars with hypopigmentation or depigmentation are limited. Several studies highlight ginger as the sole natural ingredient effective in treating hypopigmentation. This article delves into the reasons and methods for efficiently using ginger to address hypopigmented scars.
What is Hypopigmentation?
Hypopigmentation is a common skin problem that people of all skin types can experience. It refers to the’ loss of skin color’ caused by the lower production of the pigment melanin in the skin. When the amount of amino acid tyrosine gets low in our skin cells, the melanocytes (cells known to produce melanin) cannot generate sufficient melanin. As a result, our skin starts getting lighter or discolored in specific patches or spots. Though several factors, such as injuries, burns, skin disorders, etc., lead to this particular skin condition, it has been found that different types of scars are the most known cause of this problem.
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Types of Hypopigmentation
Following are the three most common types of hyperpigmentation:
1. Albinism
This is a condition of hypopigmentation in which genetic mutation affects melanin production in the body. People with albinism have ashen skin, hair, and even irises of the eyes with little to no color. However, according to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, it is a rare inherited disorder that affects only 1 in 20,000 people in the U.S.
2. Vitiligo
While the exact cause of vitiligo has yet to be found by researchers, it is thought to result from an autoimmune disorder that damages melanocytes in the body. This reduces the melanin pigment in the skin, which develops smooth, lighter patches anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and in the hair.
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3. Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis alba is often linked to eczema, which commonly occurs in dark-skinned children and grows in their adulthood. It is characterized by white, slightly raised skin patches left over from earlier cases of red, scaly patches.
4. Tinea Versicolor
In this condition, scaly spots develop on the skin due to a fungal infection from yeast’s overactivity. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has declared it one of the most common skin disorders in tropical and subtropical people. (1)
5. Lichen Sclerosis
Generally, menopausal women develop this type of hypopigmentation (2). In this, white patches develop in the anal and genital areas as well as the breasts, arms, and upper body. These patches may also expand over time, start bleeding, and lead to scars.
Causes of Hypopigmentation
Many reasons are behind temporary and long-term skin discoloration, from genetics to environmental conditions. Some of the most common factors that lead to hypopigmentation by triggering melanin disruption include:
- Scarring
- Burns
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema
- Contact dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Healed blisters
- Skin infections
Treatments of hypopigmentation depend on the root causes, areas of coverage, age of patients, their overall health, and so on. They usually include dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy, lightening gels, anti-fungal medications, anti-inflammatory creams, etc. But most of them come with adverse effects and hence, should not be tried without proper expert consultation.
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What are Hypopigmented Scars?
Hypopigmented scars are injured sections of our skin that have become flat and pigmentless. When an injury goes deep into our skin and causes damage to our blood vessels, the melanocytes present at that specific part of the body cannot produce enough melanin to match the complexion of the adjacent skin. Even though the scar gets repaired automatically without the fibrous tissues, the skin fails to restore its actual color. In other words, the scar tissue remains lighter in color than the surrounding skin. Hence, we see a white scar once the dry skin goes away.
Also Read – 7 Effective Home Remedies for Vitiligo to Reduce Pesky White Patches
A Few Words About Ginger
Ginger is one of the most extensively studied herbal medicinal ingredients. It is the root or rhizome of a flowering plant, scientifically termed Zingiber officinale, and native to Southeast Asia. Due to its potent medicinal properties, the mighty ginger has long been widely used as a natural remedy for various health conditions. This is attributed to phenolic compounds, including gingerol, a chemical compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (3). Researchers have already found that ginger may help prevent or treat chronic inflammation, infections, arthritis, etc. (4) while reducing the risks of diabetes and even cancer. It also improves immunity, relieves stomach pain, and decreases nausea (5). Fresh or dried ginger in cooking is also an ancient practice that has become immensely popular.
Why Use Ginger for Hypopigmentation?
Although the main application of ginger is found in cooking, it can be used to treat various health and skin issues, including hypopigmentation. Several studies have proved that topical application of this root can help us successfully eliminate hypopigmented scars. The antioxidants in the ingredient are known to help heal hypopigmented scars and restore the skin color in those areas. It also has excellent toning property, which assists in enhancing the texture of the troubled part of the skin. Hence, trying this traditional Chinese medicine to cure your skin discoloration would be best.
How do you use ginger to treat hypopigmented scars?
Ginger can work directly on the damaged skin cells comprising the hypopigmented scar and stimulate the melanocytes to produce adequate melanin. As a result, the natural color of your skin comes back, and the white scars disappear gradually. Here is how fresh ginger can help you treat hypopigmented scars naturally and efficiently:
- Take a small slice of fresh ginger and rub the hypopigmented scar on your skin with it. Do so, the juice comes out of the ingredient, and the affected area moistens quickly.
- Let the juice stay on that part of your skin. It will go into your skin cells and start working immediately. As the juice gets absorbed by the skin thoroughly, washing it off is unnecessary.
- Do this at least 2 to 3 times a day. Make sure you use a fresh slice of ginger each time for the best result.
You will notice a change in your hypopigmented scar within a couple of weeks, and the entire section of the skin will return to its earlier condition in 6 to 12 weeks.
Are There Any Risks with Hypopigmented Scars?
Hypopigmentation caused by scarring or burns usually heal on their own. Also, as long as you are treating your hypopigmented scars naturally with herbal remedies, you are not going to be exposed to severe risks. However, people with albinism are at a higher risk of skin cancer (6). It makes the skin more vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, people with lichen sclerosis are not susceptible to skin cancer. But if you develop severe scars due to this, you should consult your doctor immediately to prevent them from getting cancerous.
Summary:
Hypopigmentation is a skin condition in which the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes stop producing enough melanin pigment in the skin. It leads to the loss of pigment in certain parts of the skin. When this happens due to certain injuries, the scar tissue remains lighter in color than the adjacent skin. This is called a hypopigmented scar, which can be treated with ginger naturally. The antioxidant and toning properties of the traditional Chinese medicine makes it a great home remedy for hypopigmented scars. All you need to do is rub the area with freshly sliced ginger every day and you can see visible results in 6-12 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Hypopigmentation Go Away?
Hypopigmentation can go away slowly, provided the underlying problem is treated efficiently, and no new bumps are formed.
Can Microneedling Help with Hypopigmentation?
Yes, microneedling has been found to gradually restore the pigmentation in hypopigmented parts of the skin.
How Many Microneedling Sessions Are Needed for Hyperpigmentation?
It depends on the area of coverage that needs to be treated. However, you may need 4-6 sessions with a gap of 4-8 weeks between them.
How Do You Hide Hypopigmentation?
Using a good concealer can help you effectively hide the hypopigmented part of your skin.
Does Aloe Vera Help Hypopigmentation?
According to the Planta Medica journal, regular application of aloe vera gel can help reduce hypopigmentation because of the active ingredient aloin.
Also Read – Amazing Health, Skin And Hair Benefits Of Ginger We Must Know About
References:
- “Tinea Versicolor: Diagnosis and Treatment,” AAD.org
- “Lichen Sclerosus,” mayoclinic.org
- “Gingerol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Ginger“, ScienceDirect.com
- “The Amazing and Mighty Ginger,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “Albinism“, MayoClinic.org
