Hyperpigmentation is the name that healthcare professionals give to patches of skin that become darker than surrounding areas of skin.
Types of hyperpigmentation
There are several types of hyperpigmentation, the common ones being melasma, sunspots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma. Melasma is believed to be caused by hormonal changes and may develop during pregnancy. Areas of hyperpigmentation 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 hyperpigmentation. This is a result of injury or inflammation to the skin. A common cause of this type is acne.
HOW TO PREVENT HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Although not all causes of hyperpigmentation can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to prevent certain instances of hyperpigmentation:
Avoid direct sunlight. Try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. Sit under a sun umbrella or in the shade when you’re outdoors to minimise your sun exposure.
Use a hat. Shade your face and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat.
Apply SPF. Choose sun protection that is at least SPF 15 and use it daily, even in the cooler months, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Try Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 30 for a 2-in-1 benefit – moisturise your skin with this ultra-lightweight cream and protect it against the sun.
Limit touching your skin. Scratching or picking a mosquito bite or a spot can result in inflammation and lead to darker pigmentation on your face, so it’s best to avoid touching your skin. When you do touch your skin, for example when applying your skin care or makeup, make sure you wash your hands first.
When to contact a doctor?
Most cases of hyperpigmentation are medically harmless. If darkened spots on your skin are bothering you, you should contact a dermatologist about treatment. If the patches are accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss and fatigue (Addison’s), you should seek help. hyperpigmentation treatment for black skin can be treated easily.
Consult a doctor if you have pigmented spots that develop in areas that didn’t have a rash or previous marking. That could be cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, says Dr. Adigun. “The proper diagnosis is really needed,” she says.