What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the term for a skin condition in which dark patches of skin appear in any shade darker than the natural skin tone. A commonly recognized form of hyperpigmentation is liver spots (age spots) that appear on the skin of older individuals. Hyperpigmentation can occur just about anywhere on the body--on the face, hands or anywhere else. Chloasma or melasma spots are other forms of hyperpigmentation, but they tend to be larger than age spots, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This happens because the skin produces too much melanin. There are a number of factors that can cause excess melanin production.
Sun Exposure
Too much exposure to--and, consequently, skin damage that results from--the sun is the cause of age/liver spots, says the AOCD. They are most frequently found on skin that is exposed to the sun. They can become darker when exposed to the sun further as melanin soaks up ultraviolet rays in an attempt to protect the skin, which results in even darker spots on the skin.
Pregnancy and Hormones
Fluctuating hormones can also impact your skin. During pregnancy, many women develop what's called the "mask of pregnancy," which is hyperpigmentation around the eyes. Pregnant women may produce too much melanin, the pigment that colors your skin. Hyperpigmentation can also occur on the belly and elsewhere on the body during pregnancy.
Other hormonal changes, caused by taking oral contraceptives and endocrine conditions like Addison's disease can also cause hyperpigmentation.
Medications and Health Conditions
Taking certain medications (including birth control pills) can lead to hyperpigmentation. Chemotherapy drugs commonly cause the condition, says the University of Florida Shands Cancer Center. There are a number of different chemotherapy drugs that can cause it, including 5-FU, Cytoxan, Alkeran, Myleran, Blenoxane, Adriamycin, DaunoXome and the topical treatment BCNU. Generally, hyperpigmentation caused by chemotherapy is temporary, but in some instances the discoloration is permanent.
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