What is hyperpigmentation?

 Hyperpigmentation on the skin, or dark spot, occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. (Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color).

Causes of hyperpigmentation

 There are several different causes of dark spots, as we describe here:

 Sun damage 

 Also called sunspots, people can develop dark spots on their skin after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds.

 Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.

 Hormonal changes

 Melasma is a skin condition that leads to small patches of skin discoloration. The condition is more common in women, especially during pregnancy.

Age spot

Also called liver spots or solar lentigines usually appear on older   adults or after  extended sun exposure. They commonly appear   on the face and hands, or on  sun-exposed areas of the body

Medication side effects

Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation and lead   to dark spots.

Inflammation

 Dark spots can develop after a bout of inflammation on the   skin. Inflammation may occur for various reasons that include   eczema, psoriasis , injury to the skin, and acne.

Wound healing

Dark spots may remain after an insect bite, burn, or cut heals.   These may fade with time.

Irritation

Cosmetic skin or hair products can irritate the skin, causing   dark patches to form.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker.

How to get rid of hyperpigmentation

 Although hyperpigmentation is harmless, some people wish to get rid of it. There are a range of possible treatment methods and home remedies that people can try. To prevent hyperpigmentation, or to stop it becoming more prominent:

 Avoid exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin and stop hyperpigmentation from becoming darker.

Avoid picking at the skin. To prevent hyperpigmentation from forming after an injury, avoid picking at spots, scabs, and acne.

People can try the following treatments to lighten dark patches of skin and remove hyperpigmentation:

Topical creams

 Many people use topical treatments to treat   hyperpigmentation. Topical treatments will include   ingredients that lighten the skin, such as: azelaic acid,   Corticosteroids, Hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, such   as tretinoin, vitamin C…

Cosmetic procedures

Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten areas of skin   to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Cosmetic procedures for hyperpigmentation include:

Laser therapy, intense pulsed light, chemical peels,   microdermabrasion…

Home remedies

It may also be possible to lighten areas of   hyperpigmentation using natural remedies. However,   there are no large-scale studies in humans to confirm   that any of these remedies are effective.

Conclusion

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that can affect many people for many reasons. Types of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.

If a person notices other symptoms alongside hyperpigmentation, they should seek advice from their doctor.

If a person wants to treat hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons, they can seek advice from a dermatologist or skin expert, who will be able to advise them on the best treatment methods available.

IBTEHEL AMARI