The colour of ones skin is mainly due to the amount of brown pigment melanin. This is produced within the skin in cells called melanocytes. The amount of melanin is determined by constitutional colour (white, brown or black skin) and the result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation (e.g Sun).
Hyperpigmentation (dark patches) is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
Hyperpigmentation (dark patches) is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
Hyperpigmentation is known to be associated with a number of skin conditions and diseases eg. Melasma (a skin condition more common in women and thought to be related to hormones as in pregnancy, use of combined contraceptives, HRT etc), Tinea (fungal infection usually in moist areas e.g. armpits, under breasts, groin etc) and a host of other medical conditions. Hyperpigmentation is also seen following injury to the skin or inflammation of the skin which leads to PIH.
