Types of hyperpigmentation and its causes: the most important information
The skin may have several types of hyperpigmentation, so what are the types of hyperpigmentation? What are the reasons for its appearance? Learn about that in this article.
Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin due to increased production of melanin pigment. It is usually harmless, but it can be a sign of a disease. What are the types of hyperpigmentation?
Types of hyperpigmentation
There are different types of hyperpigmentation, each with different symptoms, as follows:
1. Age spots
Age spots or so-called liver spots or solar pigmentation are characterized by the appearance of flat spots with clear borders and black or brown color on areas that are heavily exposed to sunlight, such as: the face and hands.
It is possible for liver spots to appear at a young age, but they are more common in the elderly.
2. Melasma or pregnancy mask
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, characterized by the appearance of large brown or gray patches, often on the abdomen and face, especially the forehead, but it can appear on any part of the body.
It appears more often in dark-skinned people, pregnant women or those taking birth control pills, as it is believed that melasma is caused by hormonal changes, as in the case of pregnancy.
3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is characterized by the appearance of darkened skin patches on the face and neck, often after a skin infection such as acne or eczema.
This type of hyperpigmentation affects women and men equally, but it is more severe in people with darker skin.
Causes of hyperpigmentation
The cause of hyperpigmentation depends on its type, and among the most common causes of hyperpigmentation are the following:
- Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalance can be accompanied by hyperpigmentation, as it occurs in pregnancy and in women undergoing hormonal treatment such as taking contraceptives.
- Excessive sun exposure: Prolonged and intense exposure to the sun contributes to the formation of hyperpigmentation spots.
- Dermatitis: The process of healing the skin after inflammation is accompanied by the production of large amounts of melanin, which causes the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots, and the more severe the inflammation, the darker and larger the hyperpigmentation.
- Drug interactions : Some topical creams can cause hyperpigmentation spots to appear, and some medications may cause hyperpigmentation that turns gray, such as:
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- antimalarials.
- Medical conditions: Some diseases may cause the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots, and among these diseases, we mention the following:
- Addison's disease: Addison's disease is a malfunction of the adrenal glands that may cause the adrenal glands to produce more melanin.
- Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis causes an increased concentration of iron in the blood and a darker skin tone