Hyperpigmentation is a skin ailment. It causes dark patches on the skin. Some people think that such patches only arise due to over exposure to the sun. The fact is that melanocytes (a cell of the skin) produce an enzyme called melanin. This is responsible for giving the color to our skin. In some circumstances the melanocytes work abnormally and produce an excess of melanin. This makes our skin dark in color. Some of its common forms are age spots, liver spots, etc. In extreme cases it leads to melasma or chloasma.
What Are The Causes Of Hyperpigmentation?
1. Age Spots – ‘Liver’ or age spots are one of the commonest hyperpigmentation forms. They usually appear in skin that has suffered solar damage. Doctors call them solar lentigines. These darkened, small spots are usually found on the face and hands or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.
2. Hormonal Changes – Hormonal changes are also a factor which play a great role in the hyperpigmentation of the skin. Women who take birth control pills are more susceptible to suffering from this skin condition. Melasma or chloasma spots look very similar to age spots but are larger patches of dark skin that appear most often as a consequence of hormonal changes.
3. Pregnancy – It is very common to see a fine, dark vertical line running down your abdomen when pregnant. This is due to an overproduction of melanin that causes darkened skin on the breasts, abdomen, and other areas. It is also the culprit of the “mask of pregnancy” on the face.
4. Acne – Skin diseases like acne can leave dark marks after the condition clears.
5. Skin Injuries- Injuries to the skin, including some surgeries can leave dark scars on your skin…
6. Hereditary – Hyperpigmentation can also be hereditary. Freckles are an inherited characteristic. The small brown spots known as freckles can be found anywhere on the skin, but are most common on the arms and face.
Here are some Hyperpigmentation Treatments:
* Laser Treatments
These are very expensive, risky and tedious. Before choosing one of these, you must consult you doctor and understand all the pros & cons in detail. It also calls for a lot of precautions in the long run. So you must be prepared for them.
* Natural Treatment
· Never leave home in the daytime without applying the sun tan lotion.
· Scrub the affected area with pumice stone very gently.
· Apply vitamin E oil on the affected area.
· You can also massage the dark patches with coconut oil.
· Apply a paste of lemon juice and turmeric powder over the patches regularly.
· Rub the dark area with a piece of lemon.
· Wax regularly. It maintains the hygiene, and removes the dead membrane
*Skin Whitening Products and Bleach
Bleaching and skin Whitening creams are a great help. If used properly, they serve as the best and safest hyperpigmentation treatments. While applying the bleach you must be very careful and use it in the prescribed manner only.
