How to Diagnose Hyperpigmentation

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.