Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation isn’t strictly a medical condition, but rather a term that describes skin that appears unnaturally darker. This can manifest in small patches, cover larger areas of the skin, or affect the whole body.
While hyperpigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it can be a symptom of another medical condition, so it should be diagnosed by a GP
Depending on its severity and where on the body it is present, hyperpigmentation can be something that the person experiencing it feels uncomfortable with.
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Causes of hyperpigmentation
The most common types of hyperpigmentation are:
Melasma
Melasma most commonly affects women. It is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and can develop during pregnancy.
Hyperpigmentation may appear on any part of the body, but generally on the face and stomach.
Sun spots
Sun spots are very common. They are also known as liver spots or solar lentigines. They are caused by exposure to the sun over time and therefore appear most commonly on the hands and face.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This type of hyperpigmentation occurs as a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause is acn
Hyperpigmentation is often caused by an excess of melanin, which is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Darker skin types tend to be more prone to pigmentation changes.
Several different conditions or factors can affect the production of melanin in the body:
- Excessive sun exposure can cause an increase in melanin that results in hyperpigmentation.
- Particular medications can cause hyperpigmentation. Also, it can be a side-effect of certain chemotherapy drugs.
- Hormone level changes in pregnancy can affect melanin production in some women.
- Trauma to the skin, such as a wound, superficial burn or acne can cause changes in pigmentation.
- A rare endocrine condition called Addison’s disease can cause hyperpigmentation that is most obvious in areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands, as well as areas susceptible to friction such as the elbows and knees.
Symptoms of hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation appears as patches or spots of skin that are darker than your natural skin tone. These areas can vary in size and colour, typically ranging from light brown to black, depending on your skin type and the underlying cause.
Treatments for hyperpigmentation
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FAQs
How do I know whichtreatment is right for me?
Before any treatment is agreed you will receive a free consultation with one of our experts. They will assess your skin and provide you with a recommended treatment plan. They’ll be realistic about the results which can be achieved, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What results can I expect?
There are a lot of variables to consider when answering this question so it’s very difficult to provide a generalisation. Most people see a visible reduction in the areas of hyperpigmentation, but when you visit us for your free consultation our medical team will advise you on the likely outcome from your personal treatment plan.
Are the treatment results permanent?
Often significant improvements can be achieved with a single treatment. Depending on the recommended treatment for your specific needs, our experts will advise you from the outset whether more than one treatment is recommended.
Further reading about hyperpigmentation
If you’d like to learn more about hyperpigmentation, including its causes and treatment options, the following resources offer helpful insights:
- NHS: Skin pigmentation disorders – An authoritative guide to pigmentation conditions, including melasma and age spots, with advice on when to seek medical support.
- Changing Faces: Hyperpigmentation https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/advice-guidance/condition-specific-information/hyperpigmentation/
- Wiley Online Library: Management of hyperpigmentation: Current treatments and emerging therapies https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pcmr.12986
Read our helpful blog article: Understanding hyperpigmentation and the treatment options.
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