What’s hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation isn’t necessarily a condition but a term that describes skin that appears darker. It can:

  • Occur in small patches
  • Cover large areas
  • Affect the whole body

While increased pigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it is often a symbol of another medical condition. study sorts of hyperpigmentation, causes, and the way to treat it.

Types of hyperpigmentation

There are several sorts of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

  • Melasma – Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and should develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they seem most ordinarily on the stomach and face.
  • Sunspots – Also called liver spots, sunspots are common. They’re associated with excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they seem as spots on areas exposed to the sun, just like the hands and face.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – this is often a results of injury or inflammation to the skin. a standard explanation for this sort is acne.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

A common explanation for hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin may be a pigment that provides skin its color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the assembly of melanin in your body.

Pregnancy changes hormone levels and may affect melanin production in some women.

A rare endocrine disease called Addison’s disease can produce hyperpigmentation that’s most blatant in areas of sun exposure, like the face, neck, and hands, and areas exposure to friction, like elbows and knees.

The hyperpigmentation is a direct result of an increased level of a hormone in your body that leads to increased melanin synthesis.

Excessive sun exposure also can cause a rise in melanin.

How is hyperpigmentation diagnosed and treated?

A dermatologist can diagnose the explanation for your hyperpigmentation. they’re going to request your medical record and provides you a physical exam to work out the cause. In many cases, a skin biopsy can narrow down the cause.

In prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. In this medication usually contains hydroquinone, which lightens the skin.

However, prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (without any breaks in use) can cause darkening of the skin, referred to as ochronosis. So it’s best to use topical hydroquinone only under the care of a dermatologist in order that they will properly guide you on the way to use the medication with none adverse effects.

Both of those medications can take a couple of months to lighten darkened areas.

Home care sometimes includes over-the-counter medications which will lighten dark spots.

Home care also includes using sunscreen. Sunscreen is that the single most vital think about improving most causes of hyperpigmentation. Look for:

a physical blocking sunscreen, preferably with flowers of zinc because the main active ingredient

at least an SPF 30 to 50

broad spectrum coverage

Use a sunscreen daily. Reapply it every 2 hours if you’re call at the sun — more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

There also are skin disorders with which light may play a task in perpetuating the hyperpigmentation, like in melasma.

In that case, search for a mineral sunscreen that also has iron oxide in it, which may block some light. Use daily. Wear sun-protective clothing that’s SPF-infused.

Shop for SPF-infused clothing online.

Your doctor can also suggest laser treatment or chemical peels to scale back hyperpigmentation, counting on the explanation for your hyperpigmentation.