Pigmentation refers to the coloring of an individual’s skin. If an individual is healthy, his or her skin will appear normal in color; however, in the case of illness or injury, an individual’s natural color may become darkened or lightened. Skin darkening caused by illness or injury is called hyperpigmentation.
While hyperpigmentation is sometimes present from birth in some individuals – in the form of a birthmark, more commonly individuals experience a darkening of the skin later in life. This darkening can present as specific spots or throughout a general area. The darkening of skin in one specific part or in a general area is the only symptom of hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation of any part of the skin is caused by an increase in the amount of melanin present in the skin. Melanin is the substance responsible for the body’s color or pigment. Several factors can affect the amount of melanin in the skin including pregnancy, Addison’s disease and increased exposure to sunlight. Hyperpigmentation may also be caused by drugs including antibiotics, antiarrhythmics and antimalarial drugs.
Identifying the specific cause of hyperpigmentation is often necessary to determine appropriate treatment; however, several natural hyperpigmentation treatments can be effectively applied. Castor oil applied to the darkened area and then covered with a warm cloth works to lighten the affected area. Additional treatment options include turmeric, red sandalwood, lavender essential oil, frankincense and jojoba oil applied to the skin also works to reverse the darkening caused by hyperpigmentation. Continue reading below for more hyperpigmentation tips from our readers.
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