What is Hyperpigmentation? The word Hyperpigmentation is a combination of two words Hyper meaning more and pigment meaning color. It is a condition which makes some areas of skin darker than the rest due to high melanin production. The spotting could be of brown, black, gray red or pink color. The condition could occur as small spots on skin, large patches or may cover the whole body. It affects people from any geographic or racial origins. It does not cause pain or scabbiness nor is it a serious medical illness but it might be a portent to serious disease underlying. So, it is necessary to manage when it occurs. Good skin care and sun protection can help prevent the condition. Symptoms of hyperpigmentation? Various conditions designate hyperpigmentation and indicate its types sometimes as well. Major of which are discussed below: ● Patches If there is patching or spotting on skin may be of brown or black color that means there is hyperpigmentation. ● Discoloration Inflammatory conditions like injury or acne leave the affected darken indicating hyperpigmentation ● Sun darkening Discolored areas of skin become darker after getting exposed to sunlight. ● Swelling Darkened patches are raised and they grow in size Causes of Hyperpigmentation Following are the leading causes of hyperpigmentation: Sun Exposure Sun exposure directly relates to melanin production. The more the exposure the more melanin is produced causing darkening of exposed skin as whole or in patches. It develops more by prolonged exposure and with age and is called sun spots or age spots. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Any inflammatory skin condition like injury, eczema, acne, or lupus can lead to hyperpigmentation. As the areas during the healing process darken and result is a hyperpigmented scar. Those who have a darker skin tone are more prone to it. Melasma Hormonal imbalance,pregnancy, UV rays or drug reaction can lead to dark patches termed as melasma. It mostly appears on the face and infrequently on the arms and neck. It is most likely to be caused during pregnancy. Drugs Different medications like antimalarial, antidepressants, NSAIDs, and antibiotics cause hyperpigmentation on the skin and the mucosa by turning skin gray. Moreover topical application of medicines can result in same condition. Medical conditions Pressing medical conditions causing hyperpigmentation are Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis. ● Addison’s disease, an ailment of the adrenal glands, leads to hyperpigmentation in specific areas of the body like folds, lips, joints areas, toes and cheek mucosal membrane. ● Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease in which excessive iron is accumulated in the body which leads to hyperpigmentation and skin becomes tanned or darker. If you are suffering from hyperpigmentation or have any symptoms stated above and you need a solution this article is for you. Continue reading and get your problem solved. Home Remedies for treatment of hyperpigmentation ● Apple cider vinegar The main constituent of vinegar is acetic acid which according to research is good for reducing pigmentation because of having exfoliation properties. It can be used by combining with an equal amount of water. ● Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera contains aloin as an active ingredient which is powerful in melanin aggregation. Because of this aggregating property aloe vera is considered a depigmenting agent that not only lightens the skin tone but also eliminates non-toxic pigmentation. ● Onion extract A commercial ingredient in skin lightening products, red onion extract is effective for pigmentation treatment. Hyperpigmentation creams containing extract can be used for the purpose. ● Green tea extract Green tea also has depigmenting properties for skin. Green tea bags are used for dark spots reduction. Green tea has polyphenolic compounds which cause anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects. ● Chemical facial peels These can reduce dark spots by the removal of the top layer of skin that cause the formation of new and healthy layers. They can be used at home if lighter and if stronger only dermatologists can apply them.
