| A common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.
This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
What can cause hyperpigmentation?
Sun exposure
Hormonal changes for example during pregnancy
Hereditary
Acne
Trauma to skin
Complications from skin treatments
In situations where hyperpigmentation is caused by an inflammation in the skin (such as acne), it is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
There is a condition which mimicks hyper pigmentation commonly associated with long term use of hydroquinone based products, known as an ochronosis.
How do we treat hyper pigmentation?
We determine the cause from an indepth history and consultation around patient’s lifestyle.
In knowing the cause, we are able to prevent worsening of condition.
Treatment is tailored to suit the need of each patient and would often involve the use of gentle exfolating skin treatments such as TCA peels, the Cosmelan or Dermamelan, the use of depigmenting products either topically or injected into the skin.
We would love to discuss this with you more if it is a condition you are tackling. |
