Hyperpigmentation is simply dark patches or spots on the skin. These spots are usually darker than your normal skin tone. Hyperpigmentation happens when the skin produces more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin. It is formed in the melanocyte cells which are deep inside the skin.
Hyperpigmentation affects all skin types. There are various types of hyperpigmentation; such as melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
This skin issue can happen in different forms like acne, burns, skin inflammation, sunspots, lupus, and so on. It can develop anywhere in the body. It is not usually a sign of any underlying health condition. Most times, it is harmless.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is the overproduction of melanin at a spot on the body. However, there are other causes of the overproduction of melanin on the skin.
1. Medications
Some medications or chemotherapy drugs can contribute to the overproduction of melanin. Medications, like malaria drugs, can cause the skin to turn gray.
2. Pregnancy
When one is pregnant the hormones change. Part of the hormonal change is the level of melanin produced. This is very common among pregnant women.
3. Medical condition
Although it is usually harmless, hyperpigmentation can be an underlying symptom of Addison’s disease, which is a rare endocrine disease. This disease causes dark patches in different parts of the body like the hands, the legs, the lips, some parts of the face, the back, and so on.
4. Consistent exposure to the sun
When the body is constantly exposed to the sun, the body reacts by producing more melanin. This leads to the development of age spots or sunspots on the body.
Also, when there is an injury on the skin there is an overproduction of melanin in another area during healing.
Treatment of hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be embarrassing especially when it’s on the face. Dermatologists have prescribed different treatments that can help treat it. One of the best ways to treat it is by taking medications prescribed by a dermatologist. These medications are called topical medications and include skin-lightening agents like corticosteroids and vitamin C.
Another way to treat hyperpigmentation is through cosmetic procedures. These cosmetic procedures are designed to help lighten the skin, which would make the appearance 9f the dark spots reduced till they completely disappear.
Some of these procedures include laser therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Other ways of treating the overproduction of melanin include home remedy procedures like aloe vera and green tea.
Best dermatologists for hyperpigmentation, in Charlotte NC
Hyperpigmentation can happen to just about anybody regardless of age. To make sure that the dark spots appearing on your skin are not symptoms of any underlying disease, book an appointment with a professional dermatologist.
Charlotte’s best dermatologists are available and ready to give any advice on how to treat your skin from any dark psych that may be caused by acne, eczema, lupus, sunburn, and so on.
Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.