|
Why
do some people have patches of excess color on their skin?
The appearance of skin patches that are darker than the surrounding
skin color is usually caused by natural body processes, and sometimes
by external causes. The term for this skin darkening is epidermal
hyperpigmentation. Epidermal refers to the upper layer of the
skin. Hyperpigmentation means excess color.
Normal
skin color is formed by melanin, an natural pigment that also
determines eye and hair color. Epidermal hyperpigmentation occurs
when too much melanin is produced and forms deposits in the skin.
The condition is quite common and can affect the skin color of
people of any race.
Is
hyperpigmentation harmful?
Hyperpigmentation
is not a medically harmful condition. It is advisable, however,
to have darkened skin patches checked by a physician to make sure
they are not a type of skin cancer.
Usually people
seek treatment for hyperpigmentation because it is cosmetically
displeasing to them. Skin lightening products prescribed by a
physician can reduce the unwanted excess color of hyperpigmented
skin patches
|
