Hyperpigmentation and its causes
Human skin is prone to a large number of problems because it’s the largest organ of the human body and it'sconstantlyexposed to the environment. Many factors play a vital role in the health of the skin ranging from genetics to hygiene. In today’s world when the sun rays have become harsher, skin damage and hyperpigmentation are just unavoidable. So what is hyperpigmentation and what are its causes?
Mechanism of hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation results in flat and dark patches of skin which are light brown to black in colour and can vary in shape and size. Hyperpigmentation is the result of excessive melanin secretion from melanocytes which are situated below theepidermis. Melanin is the colouring pigment in the human body and is responsible for giving colour to skin, hairs and eyes. The amount of melanin in the skin is predetermined by the genetic factors which include the ethnicity. With age, the distribution of melanocytes become less diffused and melanin regulation becomes irregular. Melanin secretion is also affected by UV rays, the higher the exposure to the UV rays the higher will be melanin production. Due to some conditions, the melanin secretion increases on particular parts of the body leading to hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation is of two types:
1. Focal
2. Diffused
Focal:
This hyperpigmentation is in the form of spots and is concentrated around the focal point. Focal hyperpigmentation is usually post-inflammatory. It can occur after injury (e.g., cuts or burns) or after inflammatory reactions (e.g., acne, SLS). It can also occur as a result of neoplastic conditions (lentigines, melanoma, melasma, freckles).
Diffused hyperpigmentation:
The hyperpigmentation, in this case, is not localised rather it is diffused in the entire area. The most common causes of diffused hyperpigmentation are drug induced and neoplastic. Diseases which are responsible for diffused hyperpigmentation are Addison’s disease, hemochromatosis and primary biliary cholangitis.
CAUSES OF HYPERPIGMENTATION:
1. Sun damage/ Allergic reactions/skin damage:
The mechanism of hyperpigmentation in all three cases is same i.e. via theinflammatory response. It is common knowledge that sunlight makes our skin darker and most of us deliberately expose our bodies to the sun to get that beautiful tanned look. But for some people tanning is not a uniform process and it leads to focalhyperpigmentation. The moment our skin is exposed to sunlight it kicks to start the inflammatory response. Thisresponse is of very low intensity unless and until the exposure is not for the long period of time. When the skin is exposed to sunlight for a long period of time, the inflammatory mediators are produced which trigger the melanocyte activation on the site of exposure. If the sun exposure comprises of years, the melanocytes may become permanently active leading to severe hyperpigmentation. Similarly, skin damage (e.g. cuts or pimples) and allergic reactions also trigger aninflammatory response in the body and cause hyperpigmentation by excessive melanin production.
2. Medications:
There aremanymedications whose side effects include hyperpigmentation. Topical retinoid, antibiotics, antiepilepticdrugs, hormonal supplements and chemotherapeutic agents are the most common drugs to induce hyperpigmentation. The mechanism by which these drugs cause hyperpigmentation can be either inflammatory response or hormonal imbalance.
3. Improper hair removal:
Despite what people believe, threading and shaving do not cause hyperpigmentation. When we remove the hair from the root and expose the root to harmful chemical or heat, it kicks starts the inflammatory response which leads to excessive melanin production on the site of stimulation.
4. Hormonal imbalance:
Pregnancy or birth control pills cause arise in oestrogen and progesterone level. Both these hormones, by a very complex mechanism, stimulate the melanocytes to increase the melanocyte production.
We know how bad it is and the good news is: hyperpigmentation can be treated. You need to be consistent on the treatment to see the desired results. Hyperpigmentation can be treated by peeling, microdermabrasion, topical medications and IPL lasers. For more information on treatments click on the given link. http://www.cosmedocs.com/treatments/hyperpigmentation-skin-treatment.php
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