Hyperpigmentation Conditions

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that results in changing skin colors known as Melasma or Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). Melasma is a common skin problem characterized by the development of dark or tan splotches or patches on the skin. It is most common—by as much as 90 percent—in women, especially pregnant women, and is known non-clinically as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Symptoms

It often appears as dark brown or grayish irregular patches on the face, upper cheek, lips, upper lip, nose, chin, and forehead. Less commonly, it can appear on the forearms or neck. Melasma has no other symptoms or warning signs, and the symptoms are purely cosmetic. Skin discolorations can be present in all forms, sizes, in large or small quantity, or widely dispersed.

Who Gets It?

The condition is uncommon in men. It is estimated that as many as 6 million women in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide have melasma. Women who use birth control pills or birth control patches or who are receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or hormone replacement medications are more prone to developing melasma. Certain ethnic groups appear to be more susceptible to the condition as well, including people of German, Russian, or Jewish descent, for example. Native Americans tend to develop melasma on the forearms. This condition is generally slow to develop.

What Causes It?

Researchers believe that melasma results from the stimulation of melanocytes. These are pigment-producing cells in the skin which can react to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. During pregnancy, a woman’s hormones are in greater flux and the odds of developing melasma increases. Exposure to sunlight also stimulates melanocytes and is, therefore, a direct cause of skin damage and various skin discolorations. People with light to olive or light brown skin are more prone to developing melasma than darker complexions. Doctors suspect that a genetic predisposition to the skin condition may exist.

Treatment Options

Hyperpigmentation treatment begins with the use of sunscreen and protection every time you are exposed to the sun. Your dermatologist may also use topical bleaching creams, retinoids, and steroids, chemical peels or lasers to restore the look of an even skin tone.

Locations with this service

Weston 
2625 Executive Park Dr, Suite 7
Weston, FL 33331
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Venice Health Park 
1295 Jacaranda Blvd.
Venice, FL 34292
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Tampa Palms 
15310 Amberly Dr, Suite 150
Tampa, FL 33647
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Sun City Center 
1007 E Del Webb Blvd, Suite 101
Sun City Center, FL 33573
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Pembroke Pines 
603 N Flamingo Rd, Suite 350
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
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Parrish 
9015 US Highway 301 N
Parrish, FL 34219
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North Port – Commons 
14840 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
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North Port – Bobcat Village 
2481 Bobcat Village Center Rd, Suite 101
North Port, FL 34288
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Naples – North 
1015 Crosspointe Dr.
Naples, FL 34110
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Naples – Downtown 
261 9th St S
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Colonial Square 
1108 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
Naples, FL 34102
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Naples – Central 
9125 Corsea Del Fontana Way, Suite 100
Naples, FL 34109
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Miami
Formerly Bowes Dermatology
Mercy Professional Building Suite 6008
 
3659 S Miami Ave, Suite 6008
Miami, FL 33133
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Lakewood Ranch 
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 260
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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Fort Myers – West 
9400 Gladiolus Dr, Suite 320
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – South 
7331 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
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Fort Myers – The Forum 
3268 Forum Blvd, Suite 201
Fort Myers, FL 33905
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Estero 
19527 Highland Oaks Dr, Suite 201
Estero, FL 33928
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Englewood 
406 N Indiana Ave
Englewood, FL 34223
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Deerfield Beach 
1880 W Hillsboro Blvd, Suite A
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
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Clearwater 
1122 Druid Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33756
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Cape Coral – Surfside 
2366 Surfside Blvd, Suite C111
Cape Coral, FL 33991
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Cape Coral 
413 Del Prado Blvd S, Suite 101
Cape Coral, FL 33990
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Bonita Springs 
25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 90
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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Boca Raton – East 
200 Glades Road, Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33432
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Bay Harbor Islands 
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite 100
Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154
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