Hyperpigmentation
The skin produces a substance known as melanin which is in charge of color production for the skin, hair and the iris of the eye. When an excess of melanin is produced, concentrated deposits of darkened areas known as hyperpigmentation or excess pigment are the result. Causes of excess pigmentation can be from sun damage, injury, acne, hormones, inflammation and certain medications.
Though it can be known by various names such as melasma or even freckles, hyperpigmentation is most commonly known as liver spots or age spots. The increased production in the melanin is often the result of sun damage due to excess exposure and lack of sun protection. Dermatologist find age spots in areas frequently exposed to the sun such as the face, neck, chest and hands and may refer to these spots as solar lentigines.
Close in appearance to the age spots, but larger in size, are darkened areas due to hormonal changes. Hormonal hyperpigmentation is referred to as melasma or chloasma. The hormone fluctuations in pregnancy and birth control pills can trigger an increased production of melanin on the face and abdomen. This is sometimes known as the “mask of pregnancy”.
Several treatments ranging from topical creams to lasers are available to decrease or even remove hyperpigmentation. While some over the counter products will decrease the coloring of these slightly, prescription solutions such as kojec acid, hydroquinone or retinol products can fade the area to the color of the normal skin significantly over time. This can take up to 6 months.
Microdermabrasion will gently scrape the top layer of skin away, to slowly fade the areas of increased pigmentation. The severity of the problem will determine the number of treatments needed.
Several laser treatments are also available to effectively reduce or remove hyperpigmentation. Alexandrite lasers, some pulsed dye lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments require at least two sessions to see results. It should be noted treatments will fail or make the problem worse if the areas are exposed to the sun without protection. Even a single day of unprotected sun exposure can undo months of treatment.
Some areas of hyperpigmentation need to be reviewed by a dermatologist to determine if the lesions are benign (non cancerous) before being treated. Discuss your pigmentation issues with your physician or dermatologist. They will be able to help decide which treatment is right for you. |
