Hyperpigmentation: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin due to increased melanin production, which can happen anywhere on the body and cause dark spots and uneven skin tone.

Increased melanin production is usually caused by exposure to the sun or skin wounds, but it can also happen due to genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, medication side effects and, in some cases, skin cancer.

If hyperpigmentation is suspected, especially if the spots on the skin increase in size or do not improve, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. Treatment may involve medications in the form of creams and/or tablets, peeling and laser therapy to reduce skin pigmentation.

How to identify hyperpigmentation

The main symptom of hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark spots on the skin, which can appear anywhere on the body.

These spots can also be brown, reddish or black, have different sizes and shapes and, in some cases, change appearance over time.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of hyperpigmentation is normally made by a dermatologist based on the symptoms and changes observed when examining the person’s skin, in which increased pigmentation can be identified.

If you want to evaluate a spot on your skin, you can find a dermatologist near you using the tool below:

The dermatologist can perform a dermoscopy exam, in which the skin is examined using a special magnifying glass, to evaluate the changes in more detail. Check out how dermoscopy is performed.

In addition, the doctor may also recommend tests such as measuring ACTH, cortisol, TSH and iron in the blood or a skin biopsy to identify the cause of hyperpigmentation.

Possible causes

The main causes of hyperpigmentation are:

• Wounds, allergies or skin infectionsknown technically as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation;
• Sun exposureespecially when not using sunscreen;
• Hormonal changesdue to pregnancy, puberty or diseases such as adrenal insufficiency;
• Genetic predispositionas in the case of freckles;
• Medication side effectssuch as contraceptive pills;
• Skin cancersuch as melanoma.

Skin hyperpigmentation is the result of increased production of melanin, a substance responsible for giving color to the skin and which, when accumulated, leads to the development of dark spots. Find out more about other causes of dark spots on the skin.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for hyperpigmentation must be guided by a dermatologist and is normally carried out with daily use of sunscreen and some medications in the form of gel or cream, such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid or tretinoin.

In some cases, the use of oral medications, such as melatonin or tranexamic acid, may also be indicated. peels or laser therapy to control melanin production.

Furthermore, whenever there is a specific treatment for the cause of hyperpigmentation, it must be carried out in accordance with the dermatologist’s guidance to prevent the spots from returning, prevent their progression and allow the skin to recover.