Melanin is a class of pigment produced by melanocytes at the lower layer of the epidermis and is responsible for producing coloration in the skin tone, in places such as the eyes, body and hair. As the body ages, melanocyte distribution becomes less diffuse and its regulation is less controlled by the body. UV light stimulates melanocyte activity, and where concentrations of the cells are denser than the surrounding areas, hyperpigmentation is affected. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by using skin lightening lotions.

Another form of hyperpigmentation is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Which presents as dark and discolored spots that appear on your skin following acne inflammation outbursts that has healed

Treatment of hyperpigmentation includes treating the possible cause of its occurrence:

• Use sunblock at least SPF30 as treatment and as prevention.
• Using whitening creams which are usually effective but need time to show results (at least 8 weeks)
• Medlite C6 Laser:  to treat hyperpigmentation, whether it is congenital like nevus of Ota, or acquired like melasma and freckles.

• Freckles: Freckles are small flat brown marks arising on the face and other sun exposed areas. They are most often seen in fair skinned people, especially those with red hair, but they are an inherited characteristic that sometimes affects darker skin types as well.
• Melasma, also known as chloasma– patchy hyperpigmentation often found in pregnant women or women taking oral contraceptive pills, using bad quality make-up or topical creams containing mercury, or having personal or familial history of a thyroid disease.
• Post – procedure hyperpigmentationcan sometimes be induced by dermatological laser procedures, if patient did not follow doctor’s recommendations to use sun block and avoid tanning baths.
• Post inflammatory hyperpigmentationis discoloration that is left on the skin after an underlying skin disease has been healed. These underlying conditions include:
  • Skin infections like tinea (fungal infection).
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Mechanical injuries.
  • Reactions to medications.
  • Phototoxic eruptions.
  • Trauma (e.g. burns).
  • Inflammatory reactions (e.g. acne, dermatitis, lichen planus).
  • Enocrain diseases like: Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, all thyroid diseases.
  • Acanthosis nigricans – hyperpigmentation of intertriginous areas associated with insulin resistance.
  • Linea nigra – a hyperpigmented line found on the abdomen during pregnancy.
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cronkite-Canada syndrome, Porphyria, Haemochromatosis, Aromatase deficiency, Nelson’s syndrome.
  • Exposure to certain chemicals such as salicylic acid, bleomycin, and cisplatin.
  • Smoker’s melanosis.
  • Celiac disease.
  • After some infections like: Tinea fungal infections such as ringworm.
  • Mercury poisoning – particularly cases of cutaneous exposure resulting from the topical application of mercurial ointments or skin-whitening creams.