Dark Skin Discolouration (Hyperpigmentation)

So in writing this article, our hope is that we are continuing to increase awareness of common skin ailments that are bothersome to quite a number of people and are treatable in the right hands. Today we focus on a condition that affects both men and women alike and is quite common. Most of us will know someone with it or would have seen someone with it. Continue...

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by the appearance of dark or brown patches to an area of skin.

This appearance is caused by the overproduction of the skin colour pigment called melanin. It can be a nuisance to those who have it and can affect confidence. It is particularly stubborn to treat and requires in-depth skin analysis and assessment to develop creative and effective treatment approaches to tackle this very prevalent Skin condition.

The importance of its treatment and management by a qualified registered clinician cannot be over-emphasized. In some cases there is no obvious cause, below I have listed the types and the possible causes.

In simple terms there are 3 types.

1.      Post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after skin injury following acne, psoriasis, burns, friction injury, and skin infections like fungal skin infections or following application of certain skin creams which contain ingredients that are irritating to the skin e.g. bleaching creams. It can also occur following allergic reactions to medications such as anti-malaria like chloroquine or antibiotics like tetracycline.

2.      Lentigines commonly known as age spots. They are common in over 90% of light skinned people over the age of 60.

3.      Melasma which occurs in pregnancy or in people on the contraceptive pill as a result of hormonal fluctuations.

Any discoloration or dark/brown patches on your skin could be hyperpigmentation. It can occur on any area of your body, but typically people are more concerned with its occurrence on the face or exposed parts of their body. The commonest culprit in our environment for this scourge to most people is the use of skin lightening and bleaching creams on the open market. They contain extremely toxic chemicals which are un-forgiven at times with the damage they cause to the skin.

Having said all this, there are several ways to improve problems with hyperpigmentation, ranging from supervised use of topical products which are internationally recommended to use of modern lasers and medical microdermabrasion which are all available in our clinic.

Our Clinicians are skilled and have experience in its treatment and will formulate the appropriate management plans to meet individual needs.

Call LaserDerm for more information on:

0700 LASERDERM, 08052777778, 08126777778

Or visit our website: www.laserdermclinicsng.com

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