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

1. Epidermal (superficial)

2. 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

• PIH can occur at any age, group or gender

• This form of hyperpigmentation occurs more in areas that have sustained physical trauma such as Acne Vulgaris or eczema

• Can also be mechanical or chemical in nature as might occur following a traumatic cut or chemical burn

• PIH May persists for months to years

• PIH May appear as macular or patches depending upon the insult may be well localized or extensive

• Always important to differentiate whether the pigmentation is Epidermal or dermal which can be done via WOOD LIGHT (woods lamp)

• 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?

• SUN Protection (most important) apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 & greater

• 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

• CHEMICAL PEELS

• (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

• 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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