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How to Diagnose Hyperpigmentation

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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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.

Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    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.

  2. Step 2

    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.

  3. Step 3

    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.

  4. Step 4

    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.

  5. Step 5

    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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