How to Diagnose Hyperpigmentation

By eHow Health Editor

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In hyperpigmentation, a portion of a person's skin is darker than the sking of the surrounding area. Hyperpigmentation is usually not a serious medical condition, but treatment is frequently desired for cosmetic reasons. Here's how to diagnose hyperpigmentation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging
Step1
Determine the cause of the hyperpigmentation to prevent a recurrence after treatment. Possible causative agents include a post-inflammatory response, drugs, photosensitizing agents, systemic disease or ultraviolet light.
Step2
Gather the patient's history to investigate previous exposure to sunlight because this is the most common cause of hyperpigmentation. UV radiation causes a hyperpigmented area to become even darker.
Step3
Investigate the skin treatment regimen in cases of a localized hyperpigmentation with sudden onset. An acid-based topical application, enzyme peel, micro-dermabrasion or scrub may darken the skin. This may also be caused by a drug allergy.
Step4
Review medication for hyperpigmenting effects. These commonly include birth control pills, some antibiotics (including sulfonamides and tetracyclines) and anti-malarial agents, such as amiodarone, chloroquine and qunacrine. Other drugs that may cause hyperpigmentation include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers and some psychoactive medication.
Step5
Check for conditions that can darken the skin. These include Addison disease, arsenic poisoning, liver disease, pituitary tumors and pregnancy. The "mask of pregnancy" is a brown or tan patch on the face, called a melasma, caused by higher levels of estrogen.

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eHow Article: How to Diagnose Hyperpigmentation

eHow Health Editor

eHow Health Editor

Category: Health

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