Hyperpigmentation Is Common And Can Alter Skin Color in Patches

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can cause your skin to become darker in patches. If you have hyperpigmentation, it’s important to learn more about the condition and treat it for the best results. Hyperpigmentation most often occurs when an excess of melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin, forms deposits on the skin’s surface. When this happens in certain areas of your body, it can cause those spots to become darker than the surrounding skin. Sometimes, these dark patches are temporary and will fade over time. Other times, they progress into more permanent ‘spots’ of discolored skin tissue. A buildup of melanin can also lead to age spots and sunspots on the face and hands as we get older. Unfortunately, many people with hyperpigmentation don’t even know they have a condition because their symptoms are so subtle.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

There are several possible causes of hyperpigmentation, including:

• Sun Exposure - The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can trigger the production of excess melanin. Because this is a gradual process, it may take months or years to notice any changes in your skin color after spending too much time in the sun.
• Skin Trauma - Skin trauma from an injury or burn can cause dark spots because that injury stimulates melanocytes in the epidermis (outer layer of skin), which leads to increased pigment production.
• Hormonal Imbalance - A hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and some diseases such as Addison’s disease can also be responsible for darker patches on certain parts of your body due to elevated melanin levels in one area (hyperpigmentation).
• Genetics - Some people are just genetically predisposed to hyperpigmentation. For example, if you have family members with dark patches on their bodies, you may be more likely to develop the same condition. However, sometimes hyperpigmentation isn’t caused by something over which you have control (such as being genetically predisposed). In those cases, there are some things you can try at home to treat hyperpigmentation.
• Medication and Supplement Use - Certain vitamins, minerals, medications, and supplements can also increase your risk of developing hyperpigmentation in areas where these products come into frequent contact with skin, such as the lips and underarms. Birth control pills can cause skin discoloration for a similar reason. You should talk to your doctor if you think outside factors are causing the problem because there could be other health issues at play that need attention or treatment.

Managing Hyperpigmentation

If you have hyperpigmentation, it’s important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor may want to take a closer look at your skin for any signs of other medical problems that could be the root cause of dark patches, whether they are permanent or temporary.

In cases where hyperpigmentation is caused by genetics or hormone-related factors, there isn’t much you can do to get rid of those spots short of going through laser therapy treatments or chemical peels (which aren’t recommended as routine treatments). However, you should still visit a dermatologist because there are many other ways to treat hyperpigmentation successfully in these cases. For instance, getting sun less often and using sunscreen whenever you do go out can help prevent future hyperpigmentation.

To remove excess melanin from the skin and brighten the color of dark spots:

• Use a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant to eliminate the uppermost dead skin layer and encourage your skin cells to produce less pigment.
• Apply a gentle prescription-strength cream at night containing antioxidants that help prevent the enzyme responsible for melanin production from altering the structure of your skin’s pigment. Your doctor can help you find an over-the-counter product with this ingredient if you want to use it at home. 

However, be sure to speak with your dermatologist first because these products have serious side effects, including skin redness, burning, and itching.