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Where are these patches from?

Writer's picture: Shameka  BrabsonShameka Brabson

Updated: Jan 26







Hyperpigmentation



Hyperpigmentation is a condition where certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin, due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It can appear as dark spots, patches, or uneven skin tone.

There are several causes of hyperpigmentation, including:

  1. Sun exposure: UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can lead to sunspots or age spots (also known as solar lentigines).

  2. Hormonal changes: Conditions like pregnancy (melasma) or the use of birth control can trigger an overproduction of melanin due to hormonal shifts.

  3. Inflammation or skin injury: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can develop after skin trauma, such as acne, cuts, or burns. The skin darkens as it heals.

  4. Medications: Some drugs, like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy treatments, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased melanin production.

  5. Genetics: Some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation based on their skin type and family history.

  6. Age: As people get older, they may develop age spots or liver spots due to accumulated sun exposure over time.

Treatment for hyperpigmentation often involves topical treatments, such as retinoids, vitamin C, or hydroquinone, as well as sun protection to prevent further darkening.


The primary symptom of hyperpigmentation is the appearance of darker skin patches or spots on areas of the skin. These spots can vary in size, shape, and color, but typically they appear as:

  1. Dark spots: These may appear as small, localized dark areas, often referred to as "sunspots" or "age spots," typically found on the face, hands, shoulders, and other sun-exposed areas.

  2. Uneven skin tone: Some people may notice a general darkening or unevenness in skin tone, with certain areas becoming darker than others.

  3. Post-inflammatory marks: After an injury, acne, or skin irritation, dark spots or patches may appear on the skin as part of the healing process. These are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

  4. Melasma patches: In melasma, the pigmentation tends to appear in larger, irregularly shaped patches, often on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. This is typically more common in women and can be triggered by hormonal changes.

The condition itself doesn’t usually cause pain, itching, or other physical symptoms, but it can affect a person’s appearance, leading some to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. If you're noticing new or unusual dark spots on your skin, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist to rule out other skin conditions.


While hyperpigmentation may not be fully "cured" in the sense of complete permanent reversal, it can be treated and significantly improved with the right approach. The goal is often to lighten the dark spots, even out the skin tone, and prevent further discoloration. Here are some common treatment options that can help reduce or reverse hyperpigmentation:

1. Topical Treatments

  • Hydroquinone: This is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production and can help fade dark spots over time.

  • Retinoids (like tretinoin): These help speed up cell turnover, which can fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant that can brighten skin and reduce pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.

  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Exfoliants like glycolic acid can help fade hyperpigmentation by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells.

  • Niacinamide: A gentle brightening agent that helps reduce discoloration and even out skin tone.

2. Chemical Peels

  • These involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers, which can help fade dark spots and improve skin texture over time. They can be done at home (with milder formulas) or by a dermatologist (with stronger treatments).

3. Laser Treatments

  • Fractional laser: Targets pigmentation by breaking it down and promoting collagen production.

  • Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Helps treat dark spots and uneven pigmentation by targeting pigment in the skin.

These treatments can be more effective for stubborn pigmentation, but they can also come with risks, so it’s best to consult a dermatologist before pursuing them.

4. Sun Protection

  • Sun exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation, so it's crucial to use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 daily. This helps prevent further darkening of existing spots and protects the skin during the healing process.

5. Natural Remedies

  • While not as scientifically proven as other treatments, some people use natural remedies like aloe vera, licorice extract, or green tea to help brighten skin. However, results can vary and might not be as fast or noticeable as other treatments.

How Long Does It Take?

  • Hyperpigmentation can take time to fade. With consistent use of the right treatments, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to see noticeable improvements.

While complete "reversal" isn't always guaranteed, many people experience significant lightening of dark spots and an overall improvement in their skin tone with proper care. If you're considering treatment, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist who can recommend the best options based on the type and severity of your hyperpigmentation.


Hyperpigmentation can have a significant impact on mental health, especially because it often affects a person’s appearance and self-esteem. Here are some ways it might influence mental well-being:

1. Self-esteem and Confidence

  • Increased self-consciousness: People with noticeable hyperpigmentation, especially on the face, may feel more self-conscious about their appearance. This can lead to anxiety in social situations or when meeting new people.

  • Reduced confidence: If someone feels that their skin is "imperfect" or "flawed," it can affect their confidence, particularly in how they present themselves in personal or professional environments.

2. Social and Emotional Impact

  • Body image concerns: Visible skin conditions can contribute to dissatisfaction with one's appearance, leading to feelings of unattractiveness or shame.

  • Avoiding social situations: Some people may avoid certain social activities or settings (like going to the beach, attending events, or even casual outings) because they feel insecure about their skin.

3. Mental Health Strain

  • Anxiety: Persistent worries about appearance or the possibility that hyperpigmentation will never improve can cause anxiety, particularly in people who are already sensitive about their skin.

  • Depression: In some cases, if hyperpigmentation significantly affects self-image and causes a person to feel socially isolated or hopeless, it can contribute to depressive feelings.

  • Stress: Trying various treatments without seeing quick results can lead to stress or frustration. Additionally, people may become anxious about the potential for the hyperpigmentation to worsen with sun exposure or skin irritation.

4. Impact on Identity and Cultural Perceptions

  • In some cultures, clear, even-toned skin is heavily emphasized, and any deviations from that norm can lead to feelings of alienation or the internalization of societal beauty standards. This can make hyperpigmentation especially challenging in certain cultural contexts where appearance is highly scrutinized.

5. Focus on Treatment

  • While addressing hyperpigmentation through treatments can be empowering for some, the constant focus on skin appearance might create a cycle of preoccupation with “flaws” that takes up emotional energy. Some people might spend a lot of time and effort on treatments, which can sometimes lead to disappointment or frustration if results are slow.

6. Support Systems

  • It’s worth noting that for some individuals, seeking emotional support from friends, family, or support groups can help alleviate some of the mental strain caused by hyperpigmentation. Feeling understood or having a positive environment where appearance isn’t the primary focus can significantly help with mental health.

Ways to Cope:

  • Seek professional help: A therapist or counselor can help manage the emotional impact of appearance-related issues.

  • Join support groups: Online or in-person communities where people share similar experiences with skin conditions can be helpful in feeling less alone.

  • Focus on self-compassion: Practicing self-love and being kind to oneself can help shift focus away from perceived imperfections.

The psychological effects of hyperpigmentation vary widely from person to person, but it's important to recognize that the impact on mental health is valid and worth addressing, just as physical skin health is.






Yes, there are several other types of pigmentation disorders, in addition to hyperpigmentation. These conditions involve changes in the skin's pigmentation, either through excess or lack of melanin. Here are some other common pigmentation disorders:

1. Hypopigmentation (Loss of Skin Pigment)

Hypopigmentation occurs when there is a decrease in melanin production, leading to lighter patches of skin. Some examples include:

  • Vitiligo: This is a condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes (cells that produce melanin), causing white patches to appear on the skin. It can affect any area of the body and may progress over time.

  • Albinism: Albinism is a genetic condition in which a person is born with little or no melanin in their skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism often have very fair skin and are more prone to sunburns and skin damage.

  • Pityriasis Alba: This condition typically affects children and results in light, scaly patches, often on the face, arms, or upper body. It is usually harmless and can improve over time.

  • Tinea Versicolor: A fungal infection that can cause lighter or darker patches of skin, typically on the chest, back, or shoulders. The infection inhibits melanin production in the affected areas.

2. Hyperpigmentation (Excess Skin Pigment)

As we discussed earlier, hyperpigmentation involves an overproduction of melanin, leading to darkened skin areas. Some common types include:

  • Melasma: Often triggered by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control), melasma causes dark patches, particularly on the face. It is more common in women and can worsen with sun exposure.

  • Age Spots (Liver Spots): These are flat, dark spots that develop with sun exposure over time. They are common in older adults and typically appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and shoulders.

  • Freckles (Ephelides): These are small, light-brown spots that tend to appear on fair skin, especially after sun exposure. They are more common in people with lighter skin tones and tend to darken in the summer.

  • Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): This occurs after an injury or inflammation to the skin (like acne, eczema, or a burn), where dark spots or patches remain after the skin heals.

3. Other Rare Pigmentation Disorders

  • Café-au-lait Spots: These are light brown patches of skin that are usually present at birth or appear in early childhood. If a person has multiple café-au-lait spots, it could be associated with a genetic condition like neurofibromatosis.

  • Acanthosis Nigricans: This condition causes dark, velvety patches of skin, typically in areas where skin folds (such as the neck, armpits, and groin). It is often associated with insulin resistance, obesity, or hormonal imbalances.

  • Erythema Ab Igne: Also known as "hot water bottle burns," this is a condition where prolonged exposure to heat (such as from a hot water bottle or heating pad) causes a reddish-brown pigmentation change in the skin.

4. Genetic Disorders Affecting Pigmentation

Some genetic conditions can affect pigmentation, either leading to lighter or darker skin:

  • Hermanskis-Pudlak Syndrome: This rare genetic condition involves albinism, bleeding issues, and sometimes pigmentation abnormalities in the skin, hair, and eyes.

  • Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: Another rare condition that affects pigmentation, along with immune system function and nerve problems.

5. Drug-Induced Pigmentation Disorders

Some medications can cause changes in skin pigmentation as a side effect. For example:

  • Minocycline (an antibiotic) can cause blue or grayish pigmentation on the skin, gums, or nails.

  • Certain chemotherapy drugs, antimalarial drugs, and hormones can also lead to pigmentation changes, either darkening or lightening the skin.

6. Racial or Ethnic Pigmentation Variations

Skin pigmentation can also vary naturally based on ethnicity or race. People with darker skin tones may have a higher baseline of melanin, while those with lighter skin tones have less melanin. This isn't necessarily a "disorder" but a normal variation in pigmentation.

Treatment for Pigmentation Disorders

Treatment for pigmentation disorders depends on the type and underlying cause. For example, hyperpigmentation can often be treated with topical treatments, laser therapy, or chemical peels, while hypopigmentation conditions like vitiligo may require therapies like light treatment, steroid creams, or camouflage makeup.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a pigmentation disorder, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.




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