Hyperpigmentation

The most common example of hyperpigmentation is a suntan. Another example is the darkening that frequently occurs during the healing period following any type of skin injury. Epidermal post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is usually a transient condition; the overproduction of melanin is a temporary response to a specific trauma. Hyperpigmentation with a dermal component—in which dark pigment settles in the dermis—is far more difficult to treat. Dermal hyperpigmentation tends to occur more commonly and more severely among people with naturally dark skin. Whatever the cause, most dermatologists treat dermal hyperpigmentation cautiously. The key element is scrupulous avoidance of the sun.