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Wednesday, 10 July 2019

HYPERPIGMENTATION CAUSES, TREATMENTS, PREVENTION



What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where the skin can become darker in a uniform or non uniform way.

What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is generally caused by melanin overproduction by the skin cells. Hyperpigmentation can be localised (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma for instance) or it can be more diffuse.  The most common cause of diffuse hyperpigmentation is metabolic such as vit B 12 or folic acid deficiencies.  

What is melasma?
Melasma is an acquired form of hyperpigmentation that is seen most commonly on the face. 90% of those with melasma are women. Exacerbating factors include pregnancy, hormonal therapy, such as oral contraceptives, and intense sun exposure.

How many women suffer from hyperpigmentation issues in the UK/worldwide?
According to a study in 2016, 5 million people in the USA and up to 40% of certain populations are affected by melasma.

Who is most at risk of hyperpigmentation?
Melasma is much more common in women and has a presumptive genetic component, as 48% have reported a positive family history according to a 2009 survey. Pathophysiology of melasma involves excess sunlight/radiation which stimulates excess melanin production in the epidermis and or dermis. Melanocyte numbers are not increased, but they tend to be larger and more active. This condition is also seen in pregnancy and is possibly related to hormonal stimulation from melanocyte stimulating hormones, estrogen and/or progesterone. The exact genes or hormones involved remain unknown.

How has the contraceptive pill been linked with hyperpigmentation? What contraceptive pills are likely to affect pigmentation and which ones aren't?
Hormonal contraceptives, most of which contain norethindrone and norethynodrel combined with estrogen, maintain the body in a state of "artificial pregnancy" and can cause hormonal, vascular, metabolic, and neurological side effects similar to the effects seen in pregnancy. Many of these involve the skin. Melasma is frequently seen in women taking oral contraceptives.

How can we treat and prevent hyperpigmentation?
It goes without saying that an emphasis on sun protection must be central to any discussion dealing with treating hyperpigmentation. Patients must use adequate sunscreen, preferably containing physical blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, on all sun-exposed skin on a daily basis. Sufferers should practice ultraviolet avoidance by using physical barriers, such as hats and clothing that will reduce exposure.

Topical treatment options include retinoids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, chemical peels, and cosmeceuticals. MZ Skin Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask, Radiance & Renewal Instant Clarity Refining Mask, Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum are particularly effective in treating hyperpigmentation with clinically proven results.

Hydroquinone is often considered the topical “gold standard”. Retinoids may also be made and azelaic acid (AzA), may be combined with a topical corticosteroid. Triple combination fixed therapy (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%) has become a standard intervention as well, with evidence suggesting that the combination is more effective than hydroquinone monotherapy. Numerous case reports and studies have been performed over the last decade highlighting the use of products, such as zinc, arbutin, kojic acid, vitamin C base compounds, and green tea extracts, as newer therapies for treating melasma patients. 

Second‐line therapy consists of the addition of chemical peels, although these must be used cautiously so as not to induce further post inflammatory changes.  Superficial chemical peels are generally effective for the management of melasma when properly applied. Standard options include glycolic acid 20-70%, salicylic acid 20-30%, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 10-25%, or Jessner’s solution. Pre treatment with a course of hydroquinone 4% topically (if available) is thought to improve outcomes. 

Laser therapy can be effective for hyperpigmentation but must be particularly used with caution in patients with melasma

Lastly, for women who note the onset of melasma after beginning oral contraceptives, the medication should be stopped if possible.


1 comment:

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