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Hyperpigmentation

Description

Hyperpigmentation is usually referred to as ‘dark patches’ or ‘uneven skin tone’. It is a common skin complaint. It can appear on the face (especially around the mouth), neck, elbows, hands and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight.

  • Dark-skinned people are more commonly affected.
  • It could be the result of an underlying disease or a skin disorder.
Causes

The blackening of the skin is caused by the excess production of a substance in the skin, called melanin. It is a natural pigment responsible for producing color in the body in places such as; eyes, skin, and hair. Melanin overproduction can result because of the following reasons:

  • Excessive sun exposure: Prolonged UV exposure can lead to increased melanin production.
  • Aging: Although as skin ages, the melanin-producing cells decrease in number and the melanin production becomes more focused, hence causing hyper-pigmentation in certain areas.
  • Addison’s disease: A disease in which hormones responsible to stimulate melanin synthesis such as Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) are frequently elevated.
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: It usually results after severe acne scarring or skin injury.
  • Acanthosis Nigricans – discoloration (mainly around the neck) caused by Insulin resistance (in which body cells are resistant to insulin release.
  • Hemochromatosis – a common, debilitating disorder which causes excessive iron storage in the body causing tinting of the skin.
  • Drug-induced- hyperpigmentation can also result from regular use of certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, anti-seizure medicine and drugs used to treat malaria.
Symptoms

Hyperpigmentation is itself a symptom, common to most diseases and skin conditions, but it may present as follows:

  • Dark Spots
  • Sunspots/ Age Spots
  • Melasma – a patchy, symmetrical discoloration of face generally involving upper cheeks and nose and occurs during or post-pregnancy.
Diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually clinical. Your doctor will take a detailed history and examine you under a wood light lamp. 

Management

Prevention is the best cure for hyperpigmentation. Sun protection is the most important step that you can take in preventing hyperpigmentation; along with avoiding unnecessary exposure to sunlight altogether.

The treatment of hyperpigmentation requires patience because it may take months or even years to completely cure it. It is important to treat and eliminate the underlying disease or disorder causing hyperpigmentation.

Your dermatologist may prescribe you medications such as, Hydroquinone – which is by far the most effective treatment for hyperpigmentation.

Chemical peels and Laser treatments are other more effective methods to relieve hyperpigmentation.
When to consult a doctor?

If you’re experiencing the above-mentioned signs which are increasing with time, consult a doctor, preferably a dermatologist.

Available Medicine for Hyperpigmentation

Trimelasin 30gm

Rs.405

Valor-Al Hameed

Retrieve cream 15gm

Rs.100

Pharma Health

Dermoquin Cream 2%

Rs.87

Wilson's

Hydroquinone 2 ounce 0.4

Rs.900

Fazaldin & sons

Dermoquin 4%

Rs.119.84

Wilson's