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WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

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Monika Kapoor
WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

You Should Know About pigmentation

What is pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation isn’t necessarily a condition but a term that describes skin that appears darker. It can:

  • occur in small patches
  • cover large areas
  • affect the entire body

While increased pigmentation usually isn’t harmful, it can be a symptom of another medical condition. Learn about types of pigmentation, causes, and how to treat it.

Types of pigmentation

There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

  • Melasma. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. Areas of pigmentation can appear on any area of the body, but they appear most commonly on the stomach and face.
  • Sunspots. Also called liver spots or solar lentigines, sunspots are common. They’re related to excess sun exposure over time. Generally, they appear as spots on areas exposed to the sun, like the hands and face.
  • Post-inflammatory pigmentation. This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.

What are the symptoms and risk factors?

Darkened areas on the skin are the main symptoms of hyperpigmentation. Patches can vary in size and develop anywhere on the body.

The biggest risk factors for general pigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation.

Depending on the type of disorder, other risk factors for pigmented patches may include:

  • oral contraceptive use or pregnancy, as seen with melasma
  • darker skin type, which is more prone to pigmentation changes
  • drugs that increase your sensitivity to the sunlight
  • trauma to the skin, such as a wound or superficial burn injury

What causes pigmentation?

A typical reason for hyperpigmentation is an overabundance creation of melanin. Melanin is a shade that gives skin its tone. It's delivered by skin cells called melanocytes. A few unique conditions or factors can modify the creation of melanin in your body.

Certain prescriptions can cause pigmentation. Additionally, some chemotherapy medications can cause hyperpigmentation as a result.

Pregnancy changes chemical levels and can influence melanin creation in certain ladies.

An uncommon endocrine infection called Addison's illness can deliver hyperpigmentation that is generally clear in spaces of sun openness, like the face, neck, and hands, and zones openness to rubbing, like elbows and knees.

The hyperpigmentation is an immediate consequence of an expanded level of a chemical in your body that outcomes in expanded melanin amalgamation.

Unnecessary sun openness can likewise cause an increment in melanin.

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