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What Causes Hyperpigmentation On The Skin?
hi Dr. Andrew Rynne. I am 26 years old, Ethiopian girl. My skin started getting darker about 8 months ago. And now its getting darker and darker. I used to walk a lot before and I stooped it since I went to the US about a year and a half ago. I came back from there 6 months ago and now I walk once in a while (not like i used to). I had a very stressful time for the past 14 months or so. I am really not sure if it's the change of environment, the stress, or the fact that I don't exercise like I used to that is causing my skin to get darker. Or perhaps another medical problem. Is there a proper explanation & anyway it can be reversed or prevented from happening more?
posted on
Wed, 28 Feb 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 10 Mar 2018
Answered on
Wed, 21 Mar 2018
Last reviewed on
Hello,
In relation to hyperpigmentation, the causes can vary from skin pigmentation issues to Lichen planus pigments" or "Cutaneous amyloidosis" so it is best to have a direct physical examination with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and relevant investigations [dermascopy or skin biopsy] for further management of your condition. Till then use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and certain safer creams containing kojic acid and arbutin.
2. Make sure you stay out of the sun during peak hours 11 am to 4 pm, or if it is not possible to use or apply a good sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
3. Exfoliation of skin done regularly takes off dead skin cell replacing with a new one.
4. Applying lemon juice at night and washing the next morning helps in skin lightening.
Sometimes hyperpigmentation could be due to excess production of melanin or deficiency of a hormone and or any associated secondary disease like blood sugar of renal disease, so kindly consult an endocrinologist or medicine specialist [for any medical problem].
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood
In relation to hyperpigmentation, the causes can vary from skin pigmentation issues to Lichen planus pigments" or "Cutaneous amyloidosis" so it is best to have a direct physical examination with a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and relevant investigations [dermascopy or skin biopsy] for further management of your condition. Till then use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and certain safer creams containing kojic acid and arbutin.
2. Make sure you stay out of the sun during peak hours 11 am to 4 pm, or if it is not possible to use or apply a good sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
3. Exfoliation of skin done regularly takes off dead skin cell replacing with a new one.
4. Applying lemon juice at night and washing the next morning helps in skin lightening.
Sometimes hyperpigmentation could be due to excess production of melanin or deficiency of a hormone and or any associated secondary disease like blood sugar of renal disease, so kindly consult an endocrinologist or medicine specialist [for any medical problem].
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Munish Sood
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