Hyperpigmentation can cause you a great deal of stress. This condition occurs due to the uneven distribution of melanin, making you have dark spots. The condition can be triggered by exposure to the sun, medical conditions, injury, or age. Changes in skin tone can occur due to the same reasons. Dr. James L. Jewell, MD, is a Rock Hill hyperpigmentation expert who offers hope to patients who have been affected by the condition. Let us have a look at the various types of hyperpigmentation.
Freckles
Freckles are small brown spots caused by exposure to the sun. They can affect any part of your body but are mostly found on the face, hands, chest, and neck, and are not age-related. You should visit your doctor if they appear irregular, asymmetrical, or start changing in color.
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are present at birth. Clusters of malformed blood cells cause these pigmentations. Birthmarks can disappear without treatment, remain the same, or change in color, size, and shape over time.
Melasma
This condition causes the skin to appear darker and is triggered by hormonal changes such as during menopause or pregnancy. The use of birth control medication can also cause hormonal changes. Melasma is characterized by gray-brown patches on the chin, forehead, upper lip, and bridge of the nose.
Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by red patches on the face which can last for weeks or months then disappear on their own. The appearance of these patches on the chin, forehead, cheeks, and nose can be worsened by sunlight, increased blood flow, or an increase in temperature.
Photoaging
This condition occurs due to the accumulation of sun damage. Your skin starts to have dark spots in your late thirties. The sun negatively impacts on melanin production. During treatment, your doctor may recommend using topical applications and creams to help reduce the effect of the sun on your skin.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH has a close relationship with acne. After a pimple has healed, your skin is left with a dark spot. This occurs due to melanocytes producing more pigment in response to trauma on the part where the skin has been injured. Inflammatory conditions including eczema and lupus can also cause PIH.
Ways to Treat Hyperpigmentation
There are many treatment options for hyperpigmentation depending on how severe your condition is and your preferences. These include chemical peels, use of medication, and surgical procedures. Radiofrequency laser therapy can be your best bet since it has a short downtime and is available in several options including acoustical lasers, fractional RF, 1064 nm lasers, and intense pulsed light.
If sun damage, freckles, rosacea, and vascular lesions are giving you sleepless nights, intense pulsed light can be your best option. If your skin pigmentation problem is deep-rooted in the skin, your doctor will provide treatment using a 1064 nm laser to avoid touching the upper surface.
Hyperpigmentation can deal a significant blow to your self-esteem and confidence. Visit an experienced dermatologist today to learn more about the available options for treatment and choose what can work for you.
