Hyperpigmentation, in which dark spots appear on the skin, can be caused by a broad spectrum of things. When hyperpigmentation appears, it should be examined by a dermatologist who can determine whether the dark spots are focal or diffuse, and who can start exploring causes. Some hyperpigmentation causes are benign, and not a cause for concern, while others are more serious. Melanoma, for example, is a cancer which presents in the form of dark blotches on the skin, while freckles are caused by benign activity among melanocytes, the cells which produce dark pigment.
Some congenital or chromosomal conditions can cause hyperpigmentation. For example, some forms of trisomy, in which people inherit three chromosomes instead of a pair, can cause dark blotches on the skin. Likewise, birthmarks are another form of hyperpigmentation, whether they take the form of port wine stains or stork bites. Some people are also born with a natural susceptibility to freckles, in which case sun exposure will cause freckles to appear.
Certain types of poisoning are also potential causes. Hyperpigmentation may occur in the skin or nails as a result of exposure to toxins, whether the toxins are ingested or applied topically. Another cause is an acute condition like Addison’s disease, hyperthyroidism, hemochromatosis, or neurofibromatosis. Another of the common hyperpigmentation causes is pregnancy. Many pregnant women develop a distinct dark line on their bellies, and pregnant women can also experience melasma, in which dark patches appear on the face.
Sun exposure is a hyperpigmentation cause as well. Mild sun exposure can cause freckles to appear, but people can also develop more dangerous forms of hyperpigmentation, such as spots which could lead to melanoma, or actual cancerous spots. The liver spots associated with age are an example of hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. Certain medications are also hyperpigmentation causes, with the medications either increasing susceptibility to sunlight, or causing blotches in the skin.
The first step in hyperpigmentation treatment is fully studying the marks and exploring the potential causes. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a simple dermabrasion to remove the dark spots if they are aesthetically undesirable, but benign. If the hyperpigmentation is caused by an underlying problem, whether it’s exposure to toxins or an acute disease, treatment may be provided for this condition to see if the hyperpigmentation resolves. When the hyperpigmentation causes are malignant, as with melanoma, more aggressive steps will need to be taken to treat the hyperpigmentation itself.