What does hyperpigmentation mean?

What does hyperpigmentation look like?

Hyperpigmentation can look brown, black, gray, red or pink and can affect people of any race or ethnicity. Some marks are called age spots, sun spots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation itself does not cause pain or itching.3

"Localised" means confined to one area and "generalised" means widespread, because even the location gets its own vocabulary. Color and texture are separate descriptions: a dermatologist also checks whether an area is flat, raised or depressed. The word hyperpigmentation alone does not describe those features.2

What causes skin to become darker?

• Sun exposure can cause darker spots.
• Acne, cuts, burns or inflammation can leave darker marks. This is called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy, can cause melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation.
• Certain medicines, including birth control pills and minocycline, can cause darkening.
• Some underlying conditions, including Addison's disease and iron overload, can change skin color.

Is hyperpigmentation the same as hypopigmentation?

What can you do about hyperpigmentation?

Apply broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, limit sun exposure, and wear protective clothing and a hat. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid picking pimples, which can contribute to darker marks.34

Treatment depends on the cause. Options include creams containing azelaic acid, hydroquinone, tretinoin or niacinamide, as well as procedures such as chemical peels and laser treatments. A dermatologist can help choose a suitable option. Darker skin needs greater care with skin lightening preparations; follow their instructions carefully. Cosmetics can also cover discoloration without treating its cause.34

Treatments can clear some spots and lessen others, but improvement can take several months or a year. Darkening can persist after treatment, and new spots can appear, particularly with further sun damage.34

When should you get a darker patch checked?

Arrange an appointment for persistent, unexplained darkening or discoloration that causes significant concern. Get a sore or skin lesion checked if it changes shape, size or color, because these changes can signal skin cancer. Pain, itching, heat, redness or leaking blood or pus also need medical assessment.34

At an appointment, expect questions about when the darkening started, whether it is spreading, medicines you take and sun exposure. A clinician examines the skin and can order tests when needed to investigate the cause.4