What is hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation is not necessarily a condition, but a term that describes skin that looks darker. These marks can occur in small pieces, cover large areas or affect the whole body.
Although pigmentation is usually not harmful, it can be a symptom of another medical condition.
Types of hyperpigmentation: There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the most common being melasma, sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and can develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of ??the body, but most often appear on the stomach and face.
Sunspots are related to excessive sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots in areas exposed to the sun, such as the hands and face.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of damage or inflammation of the skin. A common cause of this type are acne.
What causes hyperpigmentation? A common cause of hyperpigmentation is excessive melanin production. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin. It is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can change the production of melanin in your body. Also, some chemotherapy drugs can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect. Pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women.
A rare endocrine disease called Addison’s disease can produce hyperpigmentation that is most evident in areas of sun exposure, such as the face, neck and hands, and areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows. Excessive sun exposure can also cause an increase in melanin.
How is hyperpigmentation diagnosed and treated? A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists advise the use of SPF 30 to 50.
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