Seeing spots on your skin? You’re not alone. Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. People with hyperpigmentation can develop dark patches that are not in line with their natural complexion due to the body naturally producing too much melanin (the pigment responsible for our skin color). For some people, these might just be tiny spots (or even freckles). For others, they can be more wide-ranging and drastically alter the appearance of the skin. To help educate our readers about this condition and what can be done to treat it, our board-certified dermatologists wanted to answer a few common questions about hyperpigmentation.

Question #1: What areas are most commonly affected by hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation can develop anywhere on the skin, but typically develops in areas that experience the most sun exposure over time. This includes the face most prominently, but can also include the neck, back, chest, hands, arms, and legs. There are different types of hyperpigmentation that affect different areas of the face and body in different ways. For example, melasma often occurs in the cheeks or forehead area, whereas post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur in specific areas that are most susceptible to acne.

Question #2: Is sunlight always the cause of hyperpigmentation?

No. As we mentioned already, there are different types of hyperpigmentation that can be caused by different things. In addition to too much sun, hyperpigmentation can also result from reactions to medical conditions (including Cushing’s disease), certain kinds of inflammation like acne and some rashes, hormonal changes that occur over time, scarring, or even excess exposure to blue light from phones, tablets or other electronic devices. In some rare cases, hyperpigmentation can also be genetic.

Question #3: What is the best way to treat hyperpigmentation?

We offer a variety of safe and effective treatment methods for hyperpigmentation. Determining which method is most appropriate will depend on the type of hyperpigmentation, as well as the severity of the symptoms. If prescription topicals are not successful, we may recommend a cosmetic laser treatment or chemical peel, to name a few of the options performed by our licensed estheticians or board-certified dermatology experts.

We understand that hyperpigmentation can be deeply frustrating for many people. This is why we take such pride in being able to educate our patients and ultimately help them find an effective treatment option that works for their needs. For more information, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.