What is hyper pigmentation? Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a condition in which certain areas of your skin become darker. The word is derived from “hyper,” meaning more, and “pigment,” meaning color.

Hyper pigmentation can appear as patches or spots of black, brown or gray color, or pink or red. These spots can also be called liver spots, age spots or sun spots. They can appear on the entire body or just in one area.

What Are the Types of Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation can take many forms, including sun spots and melasma.

Sunspots

Sunspots (also called liver spots or solar lentigines) are caused by prolonged sun exposure. They usually appear as small brown spots on the hands and the face. Sun spots removal can be used to effectively remove them.

Melasma

Melasma occurs mainly during pregnancy and is a result of hormonal changes. Hyperpigmentation may occur anywhere on the body. Most commonly, it occurs in the face and stomach. Melasma is a condition that can affect anyone, but women are more susceptible to it than men.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration, is produced by melanocytes. The body’s production of melanin can be affected by a number of factors.

High hormone levels can, for example, increase the production of melanin during pregnancy. Hyperpigmentation can be a side-effect of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs.

Addison’s, a rare endocrine disease, can also cause hyperpigmentation. It is more noticeable in areas that are exposed to the sun, like the hands, neck and face, as well as areas with high friction.

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of other factors.

Sun Exposure
The body produces more melanin when exposed to excessive sun to protect your skin. High melanin production can lead to dark patches and spots, also called sun spots or age marks.

Hormonal Changes
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by hormonal imbalances, such as those that are caused by pregnancy and other conditions.

Skin Inflammation
Darker spots can be caused by skin conditions such as eczema or acne.

Hyperpigmentation is more common in people with darker complexions.

Medical Conditions
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by medical conditions such as Addison’s Disease, which affects adrenal glands. It may also occur on the lips, folds in the skin, knuckles and toes, elbows and knees, or inside the cheek.

Also, hemochromatosis (a condition caused by too much iron) can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin, which makes it look darker. Iron levels can rise five times above normal.

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