According to dermatologists, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails. It is due to hyperactive melanocytes that produces too much melanin.
Other factors that can cause hyperpigmentation include skin trauma, inflammation, and sun damage.
Often, people with darker skin tones like the Asians, Mediterraneans or Africans are likely to have hyperpigmentation, especially if they spend a lot of time under the sun.
The increased production of melanin can lead to various forms of hyperpigmentation.
If you have hyperpigmentation, it can either be diffuse or focal. Usually the face and the back of the hands are the most affected areas.
So how does your skin produce melanin? The melanocytes are located the lower layer of the epidermis. The function of these cells is to make melanin.
Melanin is a pigment that make certain areas of your body of different colors. You can see it on your hair, eyes, and skin. When you get older, the melanin distribution becomes less diffuse. Your body will be less effective in managing its production.
When the melanocyte is exposed top UV rays, its activity increases. Thus, the concentrations of the cells are denser than surrounding areas. So you will see more darkening effect.
Some diseases are related to hyperpigmentation. Among them are:
Other factors that can cause hyperpigmentation include skin trauma, inflammation, and sun damage.
Often, people with darker skin tones like the Asians, Mediterraneans or Africans are likely to have hyperpigmentation, especially if they spend a lot of time under the sun.
The increased production of melanin can lead to various forms of hyperpigmentation.
If you have hyperpigmentation, it can either be diffuse or focal. Usually the face and the back of the hands are the most affected areas.
So how does your skin produce melanin? The melanocytes are located the lower layer of the epidermis. The function of these cells is to make melanin.
Melanin is a pigment that make certain areas of your body of different colors. You can see it on your hair, eyes, and skin. When you get older, the melanin distribution becomes less diffuse. Your body will be less effective in managing its production.
When the melanocyte is exposed top UV rays, its activity increases. Thus, the concentrations of the cells are denser than surrounding areas. So you will see more darkening effect.
Some diseases are related to hyperpigmentation. Among them are:
- Melasma, also known as ''chloasma'' – patchy hyperpigmentation often found in pregnant women.
- Smoker's melanosis
- Haemochromatosis - a common but debilitating genetic disorder characterized by the chronic accumulation of iron in the body.
- Cushing's disease or other excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production, because MSH production is a byproduct of ACTH synthesis from proopiomelanocortin (POMC).
- Tinea fungal infections such as ringworm
- Powdered jet injections
- Cronkite-Canada syndrome
- Acanthosis nigricans – hyperpigmentation of intertriginous areas associated with insulin resistance.
- Addison's disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which hormones that stimulate melanin synthesis, such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), are frequently elevated.
- Certain chemicals such as salicylic acid, bleomycin, and cisplatin.
- Linea nigra – a hyperpigmented line found on the abdomen during pregnancy.
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome – an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa and gastrointestinal polyps.
- Porphyria
- Celiac disease
If you have done a laser therapy recently, you may notice pigmentation disorders on the treated area.
So what can you do about it? You can explore some treatment options. The most common one is hydroquinone. But if you don't to use it, there are some alternatives to reduce hyperpigmentation naturally. Ask your dermatologist about kojic acid, licorice extract, alpha hydroxy acids, ascorbic acid, and azelaic acid.
But remember that if you don't protect your hyperpigmented skin from the sun with sunscreen or protective clothing, whatever treatments you use will be vain.
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