Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin cause that comes up with the darkening of skin in patches.
The condition is generally experienced by individuals of any skin type and age, resulting in worries regarding one’s looks and self-assurance.
It’s crucial to understand the causes and treatment options for hyperpigmentation to achieve a visibly clearer and more balanced skin complexion.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Do you know the reason behind skin coloration? Well, it’s none other than melanin that controls the pigmentation of skin.
The production of this pigment takes place due to a number of reasons like genetic predisposition, skin injuries, hormonal fluctuations, exposure to sunlight, and more.
Once your body releases excessive melanin, it results the darkening of skin which is also known as hyperpigmentation.
While hyperpigmentation can affect individuals of all skin types and ages, it tends to be more frequently observed in individuals with darker skin tones.
Hyperpigmentation Types
Please check below given hyperpigmentation types:
Solar Hyperpigmentation: The above condition is also known as solar lentigines which mainly occurs due to prolonged sun exposure. As you might be aware that solar radiation consists of UV (Ultraviolet) radiations, they stimulate melanocytes that finally leads to the formation of dark skin patches. You might have observed people having dark patches on their hands, shoulder, arms and neck due to over exposure of solar radiations.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: This kind of hyperpigmentation occurs due to an injury or skin inflammation. There are some conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, or any other allergic reaction that may trigger inflammation and starts producing excess melanin and finally leading to dark skin spots.
Melasma: It’s also one of the same skin conditions marked by dark skin patches mainly on face. The main causes include hormonal changes that may trigger melasma which finally leads to the formation of dark patches on the skin.
Freckles: These happen to be flat spots that basically develop on those parts of skin where solar exposure has taken place. It’s cause due to excessive production of melanin.
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Hyperpigmentation Causes
Hyperpigmentation is mainly caused by the darkening of skin patches which can arise due to a number of factors like:
Solar exposure: If you exposure your skin under sun for prolonged interval of time, it will lead to the problems of skin characterized by the dark patches on skin. It mainly happens after UV rays stimulate melanocytes which leads to an enhanced production of melanin.
Hormonal Changes: It mainly leads to exacerbate hyperpigmentation, mainly in women. Like others, this condition is also characterized by the excessive production of melanin.
Skin Injuries: Injuries to the skin, such as acne outbreaks, cuts, burns, or other trauma, can lead to a condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). In response to the inflammation caused by these injuries, melanocytes are stimulated to produce excess melanin, causing the affected areas of the skin to darken in comparison to the surrounding tissue.
Skin Disorders: There are some specific skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and acne that can disrupt production of melanin, leading to changes in pigmentation. The inflammatory skin disorders can contribute to the onset of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) due to skin inflammation or irritation.
Medications: Some specific medications, like antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and chemotherapy agents, can trigger hyperpigmentation in the form of a side effect. These medications can interfere with melanin synthesis or disrupt melanocyte function, causing variations in skin pigmentation.
Dark Spots: The main sign of hyperpigmentation is the appearance of darkened sections on the skin. These patches or spots may vary in size and distribution, ranging from small, localized areas to more widespread pigmentation.
Pigmentation Variation: Areas affected by hyperpigmentation may show contrasts in color compared to the surrounding skin. Depending on the individual’s skin tone and the root cause of the pigmentation, these areas can appear either darker or lighter.
Raised Lesions: Hyperpigmented patches appear in the form of raised lesions on the skin’s surface. While some patches may be level with the surrounding skin, others may exhibit a slight elevation or a textured appearance.
Persistence: Hyperpigmented patches may not fade or lighten on their own. Without intervention, these areas of pigmentation can remain unchanged, affecting the individual’s skin tone along with overall appearance.
Associated Symptoms: Individuals may encounter some additional symptoms like itching, irritation, or discomfort in the affected areas, depending on the root cause of hyperpigmentation. The above symptoms might coincide with the pigmentation or occur independently, indicating an underlying skin condition or disorder.
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