Hyperpigmentation is a condition of darkening of the skin. It can occur in small patches or larger areas of the body. The pigmentation is due to overproduction of melanin(pigment) by the cells in the skin(melanocytes).
Pigmentation may occur in the form of:
- • Freckles
- Small brownish spots on the skin that turn darker or increase in number upon exposure to the sun. it can occur on face, neck, hands and any part of the body which is over exposed to sun. Normally it occurs in Fairer skin.
- • Melasma
- Brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, upper lip.
- • Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- It can occur after inflammation of skin e.g. Acne pimples or eczema etc.
- Causes
- • Sun exposure and sun damage—this is the most important avoidable risk factor
- • Pregnancy/Hormonal changes
- • Certain medications, perfumes ,deodorant ,soaps, toiletries and cosmetics. These may cause a phototoxic reaction that trigger pigmentation which may then may persist for long.
- • Use of prolong whitening creams which has steroids, mercury etc