Hyperpigmentation is an overabundance of skin coloration. In most cases, it's simply another symptom of aging or a sign of a hormonal fluctuation. There are relatively inexpensive and painless methods to minimize or improve any hyperpigmentation, if you find that you have an area that is causing you discomfort.
Types
Hyperpigmentation comes in several forms. Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive cancer and can appear in a mole, a collection of hyperpigementation. But the vast majority of moles are benign and need only be checked on an annual basis by a dermatologist. Freckles are another form of hyperpigmentation and are very common. Age spots and spots referred to as cafe au lait spots, which are medically named esphelides and typically seen in people with neurofibromatosis, are typically flat and, as the name implies, not particularly dark. Another form of hyperpigmentation is not simply brown colored: Port wine stains are present from birth and are a dark red mark. Keratosis, which are a common coloring of the skin, occur largely due to tissue overgrowth and can lead to skin cancer. Pregnancy can also cause melasma, a brownish discoloration that appears on the face.
Causes
Hyperpigmentation may be due to hereditary issues or due to an overexposure to sunlight. Several antibiotics, especially those prescribed to manage acne such as Accutane, can lead to photosensitivity. Birth control pills are also linked with photosensitivity. When suffering from photosensitivity, your skin is less able to tolerate exposure to sunlight. This may cause an uneven darkening to your skin, some of which may not diminish once you stop taking medications. Endocrine disorders, some cancers, arsenic poisoning and conditions such as Addison's disease also manifest with darkened patches on the body.
Prevention/Solution
The best method to avoid hyperpigmentation is to use simple sunlight precautions. A sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and a hat for any type of weather in which you'll be out in the elements is key. Sunnier days call for a higher SPF. If you have have hyperpigmentation on your face, consult with your dermatologist. Laser surgery may be appropriate for some people. Others can try bleaching creams to see if it abates the hyperpigmented spots.
Considerations
While most forms of hyperpigmentation are harmless, have any notable spots examined by your dermatologist. Because hyperpigmentation is a symptom of some rare conditions, as well as being a potential precursor to cancer, it's best to be confident that the hyperpigmentation is merely a cosmetic issue.
Significance
While it is typically more prevalent in people with darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation can affect anyone and is prevalent in both genders. In cases where hyperpigmentation is due to postinflammatory injury---where melanin is overproduced in the damaged area of the skin---the dark spot will fade naturally over time. Doctors can also prescribe bleaching creams in this instance to fade the darkened spot more quickly.
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