Hyperpigmentation

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In dermatology, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation from acne, or other skin injuries.^[1] It is also associated with a number of diseases or conditions, including:

• Addison's disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which hormones that stimulate melanin synthesis (e.g. MSH) are frequently elevated.
• acanthosis nigricans, or hyperpigmentation of intertriginous areas associated with insulin resistance.
• chloasma, or patchy hyperpigmentation often found in pregnant women
• linea nigra, a hyperpigmented line found on the abdomen during pregnancy
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa and gastrointestinal polyps.
• Certain chemicals such as Salicylic Acid.

[edit] References

1. ^ Hyperpigmentation. Dermatalogic Disease Database. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Retrieved on 2006-03-08.

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