Hyperpigmentation
Darkened areas on the skin are the main symptoms of hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is not necessarily a condition but a term that describes skin that appears darker. It can: occur in small patches, cover large areas or affect the entire body.
While increased pigmentation usually is not harmful, it can be a symptom of another medical condition.
Types of hyperpigmentation
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Melasma. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on face.
- Sunspots. Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They are related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.
What are the symptoms and risk factors?
Darkened areas on the skin are the main symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size and develop anywhere on the body.
The biggest risk factors for general hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation.
Depending on the type of disorder, other risk factors for hyperpigmented patches may include:
- oral contraceptive use or pregnancy, as seen with melasma.
- darker skin type, which is more prone to pigmentation changes.
- drugs that increase your sensitivity to the sunlight
- trauma to the skin, such as a wound or superficial burn injury
What causes hyperpigmentation?
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its colour. It is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.
- Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation. 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’s most obvious in areas of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and hands, and areas exposure to friction, such as elbows and knees.
- The hyperpigmentation is a direct result of an increased level of a hormone in your body that results in increased melanin synthesis.
- Excessive sun exposure can also cause an increase in melanin.
How is hyperpigmentation diagnosed and treated?
A Doctor can diagnose the cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will request your medical history and give you a physical exam to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy can narrow down the cause.
Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone, which lightens the skin.
Home care also includes using sunscreen. Sunscreen is the single most important factor in improving most causes of hyperpigmentation. Look for:
- a physical blocking sunscreen, preferably with zinc oxide as the main active ingredient
- at least an SPF 50
- broad spectrum coverage
- Use a sunscreen daily. Reapply it every 2 hours if you are out in the sun — more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
There are also skin disorders with which visible light may play a role in perpetuating the hyperpigmentation, such as in melasma. In that case, look for a mineral sunscreen that also has iron oxide in it, which can block some visible light. Use daily. Wear sun-protective clothing that’s SPF-infused.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment
ME LINE is an innovative professional Kit with specially chosen chemical agents which
work together to control pigmentation, decrease melanin production, improve sun
damage, and even out the tone and colour of the skin. It also stimulates the growth of
new skin cells to rejuvenate your complexion. ME LINE has achieved excellent results in
95% of cases of facial and body hyperpigmentation, and is suitable for Caucasian and
ethnic skin types. The process is referred to as ‘controlled chemical dermabrasion’
The ME LINE kit costs R15 000 and includes 2 professional peels.
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