Hyperpigmentation Treatment, Types & Causes | By Dermatologist
All organisms, from simple invertebrates to complex human beings, exist in different colors and patterns, which arise from the unique distribution of pigments throughout the body
Pigmentation is highly heritable, being regulated by genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors that modulate the amount, type, and distribution of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes.
We consider endocrine factors that induce temporary pigmentation (e.g., during pregnancy) or permanent (e.g., during aging) changes in skin color
environmental factors (e.g., UV), certain drugs, and chemical compounds
We will broadly be talking about Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is excessive Pigmentation of the skin
Hyperpigmentation is of two types
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Epidermal (superficial)
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Dermal (Deep)
Conditions which fall under Epidermal are
Tanning ( immediate & delayed )
Pigmentary Demarcation lines (PDL)
Freckles
Melasma (Epidermal)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Conditions which fall under Dermal are
Melasma ( Dermal )
Nevus of Ota
Nevus of Ito
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is more common in darkly pigmented individuals
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PIH can occur at any age, group or gender
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This form of hyperpigmentation occurs more in areas that have sustained physical trauma such as Acne Vulgaris or eczema
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Can also be mechanical or chemical in nature as might occur following a traumatic cut or chemical burn
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PIH May persists for months to years
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PIH May appear as macular or patches depending upon the insult may be well localized or extensive
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Always important to differentiate whether the pigmentation is Epidermal or dermal which can be done via WOOD LIGHT (woods lamp)
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Under Woods lamp evaluation when pigmentation is present in the epidermis (superficial) the contrast between the normal & hyperpigmented skin is enhanced & when the pigment is in the Dermis (deep) the contrast is not enhanced
Treatment| How to get rid of Hyperpigmentations?
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SUN Protection (most important) apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 & greater
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Topical Agents like :
~ Hydroquinone (HQ) over the counter which is available in 2 %; 4% but before using this one should always consult their dermatologist
~ Azelaic acid 15% to 20%
~ Kojic acid, arbutin, licorice extract, soy extracts
~ Vitamin C
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CHEMICAL PEELS
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(should only be suggested & performed by an authorized medical practitioner) VERY IMP
~ GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL 20% 35% 50% & 70% depending on the requirement at least 6 to 8 sittings will be required
~ SALICYLIC ACID alone or in combination with GLYCOLIC ACID
~ TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (TCA) 25% to 35%
~ LACTIC ACID PEEL
~ JESSNER Solution
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LASER Therapy: Q Switched Nd: YAG is one of the most effective lasers for pigmentation & the results are better when used at a lower fluence
Author Bio
DR ARSHIA SIDDIQUE, MBBS- FOUNDER OF SKINDOTCOM – passion in skin care since she was 10 years old. Knowledge about skin care ingredients formulations, which is rare amongst doctors as it doesn’t get covered in their syllabus. Board certified cosmetologist – DIPLOMA by Dr. Jamuna Pai – India’s leading cosmetologist
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Khadija❤
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3 Comments
I’ve used Dermalmd skin lightening serum on my hyperpigmentation areas and I’ve noticed a difference after a couple uses. The smell isn’t good and it does leave your skin feeling moisturized. If you have areas you’d like to correct I recommend this serum over many others I’ve tried.
nice blog…
Good tips
Such a detailed and beneficial post from expert. Thank you dear for always bring the best, informative and helpful post for us