By definition, hyperpigmentation is a dark spot or patch caused by too
much pigment in the skin.
Although not pretty, hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition caused by overactive skin cells called melanocytes,
which stimulate melanin production. Melanin is what gives the
skin color.
The sun, hormones, certain illnesses and medications all can contribute to the overproduction of melanocytes and the resulting hyperpigmentation.
Sun Spots
Sun goddesses and gods, beware. Aside from
putting yourself at risk for sunburn and skin cancer, exposure to UV
rays plays a significant role in developing hyperpigmentation. When sun
hits the skin, it stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin to
absorb the ultraviolet rays and protect the skin from overexposure. As the level of melanin increases, skin begins to darken
or tan. But when melanocytes overdo it and trigger too much melanin, the
result is hyperpigmentation.
New spots can pop up and/or existing ones can darken.
Your first
defense from sun spots: Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a broad
spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
The skin sometimes darkens after an injury, such as a
cut, burn, scrape, or pimple. This type of
hyperpigmentation can occur with any skin type. Sunscreen can help prevent
postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and keep the area from darkening
further. If the discoloration really bothers you, ask your skin care professional
about a skin lightener,
chemical peel or
microdermabrasion to fade the darkened spot.
Melasma
This condition primarily impacts women. The actual cause of melasma is
unknown, but experts believe the condition is hereditary. Sometimes
called the mask of pregnancy, melasma causes brown or grayish-brown
patches to appear on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. The culprit is
hormones, which fluctuate wildly during pregnancy. Other
melasma-triggering factors include birth control pills, hormone therapy,
certain medications or cosmetics, and the sun. Melasma usually fades on
its own, either after delivery or once you stop taking hormones or
birth control pills. But if discolored skin does not lighten, ask your about skin care professional treating the area with
chemical peels,
microdermabrasion.
Hyperpigmentation due to illness
Skin discoloration can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition
such as Addison’s disease, a rare endocrine disorder in which the
adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. Or it can be a
result of interaction between ultraviolet light and certain medications.
Some known medications that can cause skin pigmentation include
antimalarial medications, antiseizure medications, and minocycline. If
you have concerns about any skin changes, consult
your internist or dermatologist. Remember, better safe than sorry.
