What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Discussion Skin color is primarily due to genetic factors. Melanocytes are usually found in skin in the basal layer of the epidermis which is also where the melanin usually lies. There are a range of normal skin phenotypes that have been described by Fitzpatrick and range from I-VI: I – pale white skin, blond hair, blue eyed, does not tan, always burns II – fair skin, blue eyed, tans poorly, burns easily III – darker white skin, burns initially then tans IV – light brown skin, tans easily, burns minimally V – brown skin, tans darkly easily, burns rarely VI – dark brown skin, always tans darkly, never burns Melanocytes in increased numbers, producing more melanin or in abnormal locations can cause hyperpigmentation. Here are some examples: Epidermal melanosis – increased melanin but normal number of melanocytes Cafe-au-lait spots Urticaria pigmentosa Dermal melanosis – melanin in the dermis Drug eruption Incontinentia pigmenti Lichen planus Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation Mixed – melanin in epidermis and dermis Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation Just like hypopigmentation (which can be reviewed here), hyperpigmentation can be worrisome for many families because of cosmesis and the worry that “something is wrong.” The normal natural changes in skin-tone over the year due to different light exposure and wide variations within individuals is not something that many people are aware of. Post-i...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news