Is Hyperpigmentation A Serious Skin Condition? Know About The Causes, Treatments and Prevention

Wednesday, May 27, 2020, 10:48 | Reviewed By Arya Krishnan

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition characterised by darker skin or discoloured skin either found in small patches or on the entire body. Some of its forms are due to sun exposure and others due to injury, drug usage, skin inflammation or autoimmune disorders.

Extra pigmentation in some skin areas are harmless, but sometimes it can be a serious medical condition. Hyperpigmentation can occur at any age and on any skin type. Take a look at its details.

Causes Of Hyperpigmentation

Melanin is a natural pigment that gives the skin its colour. When the cells responsible for producing melanin get damaged due to certain factors, they start producing more melanin and cause hyperpigmentation.

There are numerous factors that trigger excess production of melanin. Some of the common causes are:

Sun exposure: Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen for the skin but long-term exposure to sunlight can damage the cells and cause hyperpigmentation. [1]
Melasma: The condition is common in women during pregnancy. Melasma occurs due to hormonal changes, that gets excess when a woman is pregnant. It can also occur as a side effect of hormonal treatments.

Skin inflammation/damage: Caused due to skin infection, chemical exposure, burns or trauma to the skin. [2]
Medications: Hyperpigmentation can be triggered as a side effect of certain drugs or medications such as anti-seizure drugs, antimalarials and chemotherapy. It can also occur due to certain autoimmune or metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiency. [3]
Age: As a person ages, the melanin production decreases causing uneven distribution of the pigment to body parts, leading to hyperpigmentation.
Birthmarks: It is a skin discolouration mark either from the birth or appears a few weeks after birth. Sometimes it goes with age while sometimes it can be permanent.

Symptoms Of Hyperpigmentation

Darkened skin (in patches or entire body) [4]
Vision problems (albinism)
Symmetric patches on the face (melasma)
White patches (vitiligo)
Age spots
Acne
Skin sensitivity

Diagnosis Of Hyperpigmentation

Physical exam: This includes examining the severity of the hyperpigmentation. A medical expert or dermatologist may also ask for the medical history of the patient to see if any medications or environmental condition is the cause for the same.
Skin biopsy: It involves taking a sample of the skin and viewing it under a microscope. [5]
Blood test: To get a bigger picture of the condition.
Wood's lamp examination: To rule out vitiligo and bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Treatment Of Hyperpigmentation

The treatment is entirely based on the cause of the condition. A medical expert will try to treat the underlying condition involved in causing hyperpigmentation. Common treatment methods are as follows:

Laser treatment: It is basically done to remove the birthmarks, on the choice of the person. [6]
Anti-pigment cream: It includes dermatologist-proven topical creams to reduce excess melanin production.
Chemical peels: It involves exfoliating the affected skin by applying a chemical solution. Chemical peeling removes the dead skin and makes ways for the growth of new skin. [7]
Hydroquinone: It is prescribed medicine to lighten the skin. This medicine must be taken strictly under dermatologist instruction as it may cause adverse effects.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen: Specially designed to protect from all types of harmful sun rays.

Prevention Of Hyperpigmentation

Using sunscreen of SPF of at least 30-40.
Covering the face and exposed body parts from sunlight by wearing hats or gloves.
Limiting sun exposure when it is strongest (10 am to 4 pm)
Consuming vitamin C rich foods. [8]
Maintaining a proper skincare routine.

Common FAQs

1. How long does hyperpigmentation take to go away?

With the advancement in cosmeceutical products, the efficacy in treating hyperpigmentation have been improved. In a study, it was found that within 12 weeks, the unevenness of the skin tone due to hyperpigmentation has been improved. [10]However, the treatment depends on how dark the spot is and to what length it is spread.

2. How can I remove pigmentation at home permanently?

There are certain home remedies which are considered beneficial for hyperpigmentation. Some of the effective remedies are aloe vera, turmeric and milk mask, raw potato and orange peel mask.

3. What should we eat to remove pigmentation?

Foods to improve hyperpigmentation include: