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Hyperpigmentation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In dermatology, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation from acne, or other skin injuries.[1] People with darker asian, east indian, middle eastern, hispanic, or african skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation especially if they have excess sun exposure . It is also associated with a number of diseases or conditions, including:
- Addison's disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which hormones that stimulate melanin synthesis (e.g. MSH) are frequently elevated.
- acanthosis nigricans, or hyperpigmentation of intertriginous areas associated with insulin resistance.
- chloasma, or patchy hyperpigmentation often found in pregnant women
- linea nigra, a hyperpigmented line found on the abdomen during pregnancy
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa and gastrointestinal polyps.
- Certain chemicals such as Salicylic Acid.
Treatment of hyperpigmentation includes hydroquinine, kojic acid, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid, tretenion (Retinol), and licorice extract. Note that all treatments will fail if exposed to the sun and if there is not adequate UVA/UVB protection.
- ^ Hyperpigmentation. Dermatalogic Disease Database. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Retrieved on 2006-03-08.
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