Facial hyperpigmentation can be caused by an array of factors, from sun exposure to skin trauma, and butt hyperpigmentation is often no different. Lauren Krouse is a journalist especially interested in covering womens health, mental health, and social determinants of health. Inflammation may occur for various reasons that include eczema, psoriasis, injury to the skin, and acne. Investigating the power of music for dementia. El-Domyati M, Hosam W, Abdel-Azim E, Abdel-Wahab H, Mohamed E. Microdermabrasion: a clinical, histometric, and histopathologic study. Burns, bruises, acne, rashes, or other trauma to the skin can cause it to produce more melanin and lead to dark spots. Specific medications that have been identified as causing hyperpigmentation include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics and anticonvulsants. (2018). During the wound-healing process, inflammation occurs which drives melanin production. Seeing spots? Treating hyperpigmentation - Mayo Clinic Health System We avoid using tertiary references. Vashi NA, et al. All rights reserved. We examine what causes it and the potential treatment and prevention methods. She has also written a book profiling young female activists across the globe and is currently building a community of such resisters. Injectable skin lightening products are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend them. Solar lentigines are strongly related to sun exposure in contrast to ephelides. (See also Overview of Pigmentation Disorders.) How to fade dark spots in darker skin tones. Cosmetic camouflage using make-up is sometimes the best advice. The skin often heals lighter afterward. The resulting hyperpigmentation can worsen when unprotected skin is exposed to the sun. If a person wishes to try a new treatment or natural remedy, they should always try the product on a small patch of skin first and stop using it if it irritates the skin. When it appears on the upper lip, it's referred to as a. Pityriasis Alba: White Patches On The Skin, Pheomelanin-induced oxidative stress: Bright and dark chemistry bridging red hair phenotype and melanoma, Clinical and biological characterization of skin pigmentation diversity and its consequences on UV impact, Loci associated with skin pigmentation identified in African populations, Pigmentation disorders: Diagnosis and management, Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Hyperpigmentation causes are many and include such factors as overexposure to the sun, aging and hormonal fluctuations. Learn more here. Depending on the type of disorder, other risk factors for hyperpigmented patches may include: oral contraceptive use or pregnancy, as seen with melasma. Visscher MO. Please confirm that you are a health care professional. Glycolic and lactic acid have been proven to be the best options in terms of both safety and efficacy. Hormonal pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can occur when iron levels are five times higher than usual. Clinical efficacy of liposome-encapsulated. J Am Acad Dermatol 78(2):363369, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.09.053. No studies back the claims that these treatments work. (See also Overview of Pigmentation Disorders .) Melasma usually covers a larger area than other types of hyperpigmentation, and it usually appears on the face. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In addition, topical kojic acid has been increasingly used; it is a chelating agent that blocks tyrosine conversion to melanin. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. The mainstay of melasma management is strict photoprotection agents. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages, Home Hydroquinone, which is the active ingredient in the creams, prevents the skin from producing melanin. darker skin type, which is more prone to . This can include acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury to the skin. (2017). 2020 Nov 7;2020:6186471. The most common culprits are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. Loci associated with skin pigmentation identified in African populations. Creams and serums contain various ingredients, including retinol or alpha hydroxy acid, which may speed up the exfoliation of the skin and promote new skin growth. It is due to an overproduction of melanin. Last medically reviewed on March 29, 2019, Dark spots, usually due to hyperpigmentation, are a common issue for people with black skin. (2021). Draelos ZD. The most common laser to treat dark spots on the skin uses an intense pulse light laser. Because many drugs that cause skin pigmentation also cause photosensitivity reactions Photosensitivity Photosensitivity is a cutaneous overreaction to sunlight. Skin discoloration on the legs can be due to many conditions, including sunburn, vitiligo, and eczema. It has an acne-like appearance characterized by tiny white-headed pimples around the hair follicle or small red bumps, she says. Nonablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing in Skin of Color: Evidence-based Review. Melasma is an inherited condition that is more common among women of color due to the greater presence of melanocytes. Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur due to an overproduction of melanin. Pimples can sometimes leave dark spots on the skin after they heal. Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Dark spots also vary in size and can develop on any part of the body but are most common in areas often exposed to the sun. Science. You can do so by: The three main types include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory trauma. Researchers have long studied green tea for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Learn about why it happens. Several causes can trigger the development of hyperpigmentation: hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, inflammation and melasma are among the most common. Treatment for skin pigmentation discoloration varies depending on the cause. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color. 2017 Jun;10(6):51-67. Dermabrasion is a minimally invasive in-office procedure for skin resurfacing. Melasma causes dark patches to appear on the skin. Most people have similar numbers of melanocytes, and the wide read more .). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Many contain ingredients that can harm the skin or overall health, such as mercury or steroids. Lim HW, Kohli I, Ruvolo E, et al: Impact of visible light on skin health: The role of antioxidants and free radical quenchers in skin protection. Handel AC, Miot LD, Miot HA. Melasma more often affects females than males. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). A person should protect their skin from the sun by using sunscreen and clothing that covers the body and shades the face. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. And yes, its completely common for patches to appear on your buttocks whether theyve arisen as a result of a condition, like butt acne, or seemingly come from nowhere. It can be related to photoallergy or phototoxicity and may be idiopathic or occur after exposure to certain toxic or allergenic drugs read more , patients should avoid sun exposure Prevention The skin may respond to sunlight with chronic (eg, dermatoheliosis [photoaging], actinic keratosis) or acute (eg, photosensitivity, sunburn) changes. Manifestations can include systemic symptoms, liver disorders read more , and primary biliary cholangitis Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis) is an autoimmune liver disorder characterized by the progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, leading read more . It may also be possible to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation using natural remedies. If lentigines are a cosmetic concern, they are treated with cryotherapy or laser; hydroquinone is not effective. Hyperpigmentation is a very common and usually harmless skin condition that describes small and large dark patches of skin. People can consider using a cream-based concealer to decrease the appearance of spots. arrow-right-small-blue An excess of iron promotes oxidation and an increase in melanocytes. Dark spots may remain after an insect bite, burn, or cut heals. These may fade with time. For depigmentation from chronic skin conditions, consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for you. Below is a table of the most common types of hyperpigmentation and their symptoms: Sun spots are more common in areas with frequent sun exposure, including the face, arms, and legs. It can cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear darker or tanned. They can adjust how much eumelanin or pheomelanin your skin cells produce and how well they survive and function. Although cosmetics do not lighten dark spots, they might cover them up. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Hyperpigmentation is common in people with darker skin tones. Deeper coloration can take years to fade. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the skin further. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Flagellate pigmentation In most cases, itll go away on its own with regular at-home care. Hyperpigmentation: Types, treatment, and causes - Medical News Today Skin pigment disorders, injuries, and other changes in your body can cause your skin to lighten, darken, or change in color. 2014;27:721733. Focal read more , freckles, or caf-au-lait macules Lesion Type (Primary Morphology) . As such they have been determined to be a safe and effective option for skin of color. After that, many forms of hyperpigmentation can be treated with therapies such as: If pregnancy has caused darker skin spots to appear, talk to your healthcare provider about how to manage them. Gimnez Garca RM, Carrasco Molina S. Drug-Induced Hyperpigmentation: Review and Case Series. (2010). If youre living with skin damage or a chronic skin condition that changes your appearance, its normal to feel stressed out, embarrassed, or frustrated about having to deal with this change. Some skin diseases and conditions result in generalised or localised hyperpigmentation (increased skin colour, hypermelanosis), hypopigmentation (reduced skin colour, hypomelanosis), or depigmentation (absent skin colour,leukoderma). (2014). doi:10.1126/science.aan8433. Learn. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 11(3):14-19, 2018. It's determined by the amount and type of melanin, a pigment made by specialized skin cells known as melanocytes. Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors. Cosmetic procedures for hyperpigmentation include: People considering whether to undergo one of these procedures should discuss the process and possible side effects with a skin care specialist or dermatologist. See additional information. Sarkar SB, Sarkar S, Ghosh S, Bandyopadhyay S. Addisons disease. Use to remove results with certain terms This causes shifts in skin color over time. It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Evaluating the Safety of Skin Bleaching Products and Procedures, Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments, Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth: Everything to Know. Only epidermal pigmentation responds to treatment. According to Semkova, most of the time, buttne isnt technically acne. Metastasis is correlated with depth of dermal invasion. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. A specialized rotating device removes the outer layers of damaged skin which effectively reduces the appearance of all types of dark spots. There are two types of lasers that can effectively treat hyperpigmentation: ablative and nonablative lasers. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Learn more about how it looks on darker skin, and more. Investigating the power of music for dementia. This exfoliates the top layers of skin and allows fresh skin cells to replace damaged ones. Hyperpigmentation acne occurs when a dark spot appears in place of a pimple that has disappeared. If you have folliculitis, the cycle will continue if youre not washing the area and gently exfoliating 1 to 2 times per week, Semkova notes. Hydroquinone and tretinoin are not safe to use. There are several treatments available to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and they are typically chosen based on skin tone and cause. This is not effective for melanin located in the dermis or to reduce pigmentation caused by carotene, drugs, or tattoos. It can occur anywhere on the body, but sun exposure can make it more pronounced. DiNardo JC, Downs CA: Dermatological and environmental toxicological impact of the sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone/benzophenone-3. Dark spots are common in the following areas: In people with darker skin, a spot that is a few shades darker than the skin usually fades away within 6 to 12 months. Inside these special skin cells are organelles (or mini-organs of the cell) called melanosomes. If a person wants to treat hyperpigmentation for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist can advise on the best treatment methods. Int J Mol Sci. How to fade dark spots in skin of color. If triple topical therapy is not available, then hydroquinone 3 to 4% applied twice a day for up to 8 weeks at a time (chronic continuous use can theoretically increase the risk of exogenous ochronosis, which is a permanent form of hyperpigmentation) may be considered; 2% hydroquinone is useful as maintenance. Mechanisms include, Increased melanin in the epidermis (tends to be more brown), Increased melanin in the epidermis and high dermis (mostly brown with hints of gray or blue), Increased melanin in the dermis (tends to be more grayish or blue), Dermal deposition of the drug, metabolite, or drugmelanin complexes (usually slate or bluish gray). The search for underlying cancer should be based on a review of systems. Test patients who have widespread hyperpigmentation not caused by drugs for disorders such as primary biliary cholangitis, hemochromatosis, and Addison disease. Lauren Krouse is a journalist especially interested in covering womens health, mental health, and social determinants of health. The glycolic acid inside the pads works to remove dead skin and unclog pores. Always purchase products from a reputable source and follow the instructions on the pack. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: A review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. Longstanding prurigo In some cases, the ingredient can also slow down production of melanin, which is what causes the dark spots and patches. Surgery and cryotherapy Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation and lead to dark spots. Doctors are unsure about what causes melasma, but a change in hormones can trigger it, for example, during pregnancy or when using birth control pills. Medications Specific medications that have been identified as causing hyperpigmentation include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) antibiotics, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics and . Sarkar R, Bansal S, Garg VK. Some possible causes of hyperpigmentation include: 1 A healing wound Skin irritation Hormonal changes like pregnancy Some medications Infections Autoimmune diseases An Overview of Dark Spots Hyperpigmentation Treatments to Try Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots. There are several types of hyperpigmentation, with the most common being melasma, solar lentigo and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). The response of vitiligo to therapy is highly variable. Variations in the color of your skin depend on the amount, size, and functioning of these tiny melanin factories. Videira IF, Moura DF, Magina S. Mechanisms regulating melanogenesis. Typical inciting drugs include antibiotics (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, trimethoprim, and fluoroquinolones), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and barbiturates. There is not enough evidence to suggest that they work, and there may be associated health risks. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Research shows that this treatment can improve in the short term, but relapse often . Once ingested, they inhibit the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus, thus inhibiting the release of the pituitary read more . Areas of skin can darken after people have had inflammation of the skin. This damage occurs not only on the surface of skin but deeper within the dermis becoming more visible with age and continued sun exposure. Similar to dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is a less aggressive alternative that is suitable for all skin types and tones. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is an aesthetic rather than a medical concern for people most of the time. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur due to an overproduction of melanin. But, with the right routine, treatment, and professional help, its possible to have a more even skin tone across your face and body. J Cosmet Dermatol 17(1):15-19. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12449, 4. Conditions associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. Prescription-lightening cream works by bleaching the skin. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Oral therapies have been studied. Darker skin helped protect people from harmful UV rays in high-sun areas. And remember: Discoloration on your butt is 100 percent common. Lasers are also effective platforms for skin resurfacing; they use light energy and heat to even color and tone, and smooth texture. Medium forms of hyperpigmentation, meanwhile, require more intensive treatments, like hydroquinone. Focal read more , melanoma Melanoma Malignant melanoma arises from melanocytes in a pigmented area (eg, skin, mucous membranes, eyes, or central nervous system). Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster. The spots are sometimes called age spots, sun spots or liver spots. Skin care 101: What is hyperpigmentation? Care of lacerations Enables prompt healing Minimizes risk of infection Optimizes cosmetic results read more and burns Burns Burns are injuries of skin or other tissue caused by thermal, radiation, chemical, or electrical contact. Because of potential health and environmental toxicities, oxybenzone and benzophenone-3 are usually not preferred sunscreens (3 Melasma references Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. 1. Chemical peels use agents such as glycolic or salicylic acid to address hyperpigmentation via controlled injury to the outer layers of skin. The result is the formation of dark spots in place of the skin injury. One of the first signs of this disease is not only topical pigmentation but oral pigmentation as well. Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. It can cause hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body, including the: Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes the body to contain too much iron. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. During microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a special device that has an abrasive surface to remove the outer layer of the skin. Localised hypopigmentation may be due to vascular changes or partial loss of melanin. 2018;19(9):2668. doi:10.3390/ijms19092668, Crawford NG, Kelly DE, Hansen MEB, et al. Typically, several sessions are required to achieve best results. People can apply aloe vera gel from the plant directly to the skin daily. The best treatments for hyperpigmentation on black skin should be OTC creams, corticosteroids, gentle physical exfoliants and salicylic acid peels. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. But this form of discoloration doesnt just occur above the neck. In women, melasma fades slowly and incompletely after childbirth or cessation of hormone use. Dark spots on the skin can range from light brown to dark brown. The link you have selected will take you to a third-party website. Cosmetic skin or hair products can irritate the skin, causing dark patches to form. All rights reserved. Hydroquinone depigments the skin by blocking the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and inhibiting melanocyte metabolic processes. Common causes of hyperpigmentation include postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, solar lentigines, ephelides (freckles), and caf-au-lait macules. In addition to dermatological procedures and prescription medications, people may find that some home remedies might fade dark spots on the skin, as the following sections discuss. When looking for a skin-lightening cream, always choose one recommended by a dermatologist, as some products can be harmful. Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. Focal hyperpigmentation can also result from neoplastic processes (eg, lentigines Lentigines Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. Depending on the cause, you may benefit from therapies such as: If a patch of your skin or a mole changes in color, texture, or shape and does not fade, contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment. Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Pigment Cell Res. People can use creams containing glabridin on areas of hyperpigmentation. Learn why stress acne is a myth. Because visible light is not blocked by most sunscreens, patients should use a tinted sunscreen (eg, that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Most cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Common causes of widespread hyperpigmentation include melasma, drugs, cancers, and other systemic disorders. As they moved within and outside of Africa, darker skin and lighter skin both came with key benefits: The number of melanocytes you have is pre-determined by genetics. Lentigines (singular: lentigo) are flat, tan to brown, oval macules. Tretinoin promotes keratinocyte turnover and can exfoliate skin that contains epidermal pigment. Although studies were limited, the researchers said that these natural treatments showed promise in lightening hyperpigmentation. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, can have a range of causes. Whether you want to know how to get rid of scars on your legs or other areas, heres what to, Melasma is a skin condition that causes grayish-brown patches to appear, mostly on the face. It is important to talk to a doctor if any dark spot on the skin: Learn about how to identify melanoma and other forms of skin cancer here. Del Rosario E, Florez-Pollack S, Zapata L Jr, et al: Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of moderate-to-severe melasma. Catch her on Twitter. They looked at several ingredients including niacinamide (a form of vitamin B-3), soy, licorice extracts, and mulberry. For example, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery do not recommend lemon juice or abrasive scrubs, as these methods could make dark spots worse. DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the dark spots and their extent. Skin will appear smoother, tighter and more even-toned. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? If single or multiple pale patches are observed, diagnoses to consider include: White depigmented patches (leukoderma) may be due to: Localised hypopigmentation and leukoderma We include products we think are useful for our readers. Pityriasis versicolor A randomized study has shown improvement with oral tranexamic acid in patients with moderate-to-severe melasma (4 Melasma references Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. Because melasma risk increases with increasing sun exposure, the mechanism probably involves overproduction of melanin by hyperfunctional melanocytes. Overview What is hyperpigmentation? When skin regenerates, a new layer of skin forms that is significantly smoother and clearer. One other note of caution from Semkova: Be aware that treating hyperpigmentation in people with darker skin is tricky, as one of the side effects of all available treatments is hypopigmentation (i.e., loss of pigment). She recommends reaching out to your doctor before trying any of the tips below. These contain a lightening agent such as hydroquinone, niacinamide, N-acetyl glucosamine, kojic acid or licorice root extract. Focal read more , 2 Melasma references Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. Why do you get hyperpigmentation on your butt? "The . Pigmentation of the skin normally varies according to racial origin (see Fitzpatrick phototypes) and the amount of sun exposure. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Addisons disease affects the adrenal glands. Licorice extracts may lighten hyperpigmentation. Brought to you by Merck & Co, Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside the US and Canada) dedicated to using leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. Dont hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or therapist for more help. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. A 2017 study suggests that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnancy. The spots are the same texture as the skin and are not painful. This treatment promotes new collagen growth, which may help reduce spots. A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin: Different types of lasers are available. Post-inflammatory trauma can result from an injury, sun exposure, or a skin condition, such as acne. Most often, the discoloration can be reversed once the drug is discontinued. Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and . Triple topical therapy is first-line treatment that is often effective and consists of a combination of, A class V to VII topical corticosteroid ( see Table: Relative Potency of Selected Topical Corticosteroids Relative Potency of Selected Topical Corticosteroids ). Hit the gym regularly? Topical treatments will include ingredients that can lighten the skin, such as: Creams containing steroids and hydroquinone can take 36 months to affect the skin color. Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review. Genetics, skin damage, sun exposure, and hormones can impact your skin pigmentation and cause it to lighten, darken, or change in color.