CONDITIONS
HYPERPIGMENTATION
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where the skin produces more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its colour. This can make spots or patches of skin appear darker than the surrounding areas.
There are different types of hyperpigmentation, namely:
- Age spots
These are small and flat dark spots which usually appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. - Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark or discoloured patches which usually appear on the face. - Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin after an injury or a skin disorder due to an increased pigment left from the healing process.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation may be caused by the following:
- Sun exposure which causes the body to produce more melanin to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Skin inflammation where the skin darkens after having acne, eczema, lupus or an injury to the skin.
- When you are experiencing hormonal changes which darken certain areas of your skin, this is common in pregnant women.
What are the related symptoms?
Hyperpigmentation symptoms depend on what type of hyperpigmentation you are diagnosed with. Symptoms include:
- You may experience symptoms such as brown, tan or black spots on your skin due to sun overexposure when you are diagnosed with age spots.
- Large skin patches on your face may be a sign of melasma.
- Spots or patches of darkened skin after an inflammatory skin condition.
What are the possible treatment options for hyperpigmentation?
Dr Ndongeni may recommend that you undergo therapy which may be combined with prescribed medication such as retinoids. These therapies include:
- Laser therapy or laser peel
A laser peel is a treatment that uses targeted beams of light to reduce hyperpigmentation. - Chemical peel
A chemical peel is a solution that uses stronger acid concentration to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by removing the epidermis. - Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a procedure where Dr Ndongeni will use a drill-like handheld tool that has a wire brush or other abrasive attachment. He will move the tool across your skin to gently remove the epidermis. - Intense pulse light
Intense pulse light therapy is a fractional treatment where a dermatologist will rub a cool gel onto your skin and then apply light pulses on your skin to stimulate the collagen growth within the dermis.
When should I see a dermatologist for the treatment of hyperpigmentation?
If the treatment you are currently using doesn’t seem to be working, seeing a dermatologist to evaluate the health of your skin should be a priority.
If left untreated, hyperpigmentation in the dermis takes on a blue-grey look and can be permanent or fade with time.
Hyperpigmentation can be painful when post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs.
Avoid sun exposure and avoid skin picking to stop spreading.
