How to Identify the Risk Factors for Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition that encompasses a number of skin disorders. Moles, freckles, age spots, keratosis and cafe-au-lait spots are some of the forms of hyperpigmentation. In general, hyperpigmentation describes a condition in which the skin darkens in a localized area because of an overproduction of melanin. Hyperpigmentation affects people of all ethnicities, and everyone is at risk of developing it. If you can identify your potential risk factors, you can help prevent it or prepare for it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen

1. Identify hyperpigmentation sufferers in your genetic history. Genetic predisposition factors into hyperpigmentation as evidenced by freckles, which tend to run in the family. If your parents or grandparents were prone to such forms of hyperpigmentation as age or liver spots, you may also be at risk for developing them.

2. Check your sun exposure. Skin damage from UVA and UVB rays can cause and worsen hyperpigmentation. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help prevent hyperpigmentation.

3. Assess your overall health. If you have certain diseases, including Addison's disease, eczema, scleroderma, hypothyroidism, renal failure and some forms of cancer, you may be at risk of developing hyperpigmentation. There are over 100 conditions that cause hyperpigmentation.

4. Take stock of the medications you are taking. Several drugs can cause hyperpigmentation including, but not limited to, birth-control pills, some antibiotics, some anti-inflammatory drugs and some pain relievers. Additionally, if you are allergic to a drug, that allergy might cause hyperpigmentation.

5. Test for pregnancy. Pregnancy is one of the major risk factors for hyperpigmentation because estrogen can stimulate melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation in the face. Hyperpigmentation from pregnancy usually resolves itself after the pregnancy is over and hormones return to normal levels.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a number of different treatments that can eliminate or improve hyperpigmentation. If you do get the condition, visit a dermatologist to determine a course of treatment.
• Protect your skin from the sun's rays to keep freckles under control. Freckles can be darkened with exposure to the sun, but usually go back to normal when the skin is protected.
• Get examined by a doctor if you have new, unexplained hyperpigmentation. It could be a symptom of an underlying ailment.
• Moles that are irregularly shaped or colored could be malignant melanomas, a dangerous form of skin cancer. Check moles regularly to identify changes that might indicate that an innocent mole has become cancerous.