Alternative Types of Hyperpigmentation Treatment?

There are several different types of hyperpigmentation treatment available today, mainly because skin pigmentation conditions can be found in a wide range of forms. Hyperpigmentation is often defined as a darkening of areas of skin or fingernails caused by an surplus of melanin in the body. Skin pigmentation on face can cause a lot of upset for those with this condition. As there are several forms of hyperpigmentation, so to are there several causes - overexposure to the sun, acne, inflammation, and Addison's disease to name just a few. As for any treatments, there are many options, but effective treatment in any case will depend on a correct diagnosis and the skilled application of any given therapy used.

Dermal hyperpigmentation is the form that is most resistant and stubborn to any medical intervention. In many cases, the use of concealing cosmetics tend to be the best remedy, but there have been promising advances in dermal treatment using alexandrite and ruby lasers. However, research is still ongoing in this area and no firm conclusions have been reported. Laser treatment does not get rid of any pigmentation on a permanent basis, it only hides the problem for a time.

Laser therapies may also have side effects in the form of atrophy and hypertrophic scarring as well as discomfort and increased pigment production. If you have melasma, in general, this condition tends to be resistive to lasers anyway. In the case of epidermal treatment, there are a few more alternatives. Hydroquinone is applied topically and works by inhibiting the enzymes that convert dopa into melatonin. However, hydroquinone requires a prolonged course of treatment to be effective. Mequinol, tretinoin, alpha-hydroxy acids, azelaic acid and salicylic acid can also used as topical solutions.

Some of the most effective therapies, have been combination treatments, such as low concentrations of hydroquinone and tretinoin. Combination treatments can be continued for a longer time and may also strengthen the epidermal layers of skin.

More invasive forms of treatment take the form of chemical peels, dermabrasion, and cryosurgery. Chemical peels can be useful for photodamaged skin and cryosurgery is handy for the treatment of lentigines. However, it can lead to increased levels of pigmentation if not properly applied. It is suggested that the better results come from brief, intermittent freezing of the lesion, which must be precisely targeted to avoid affecting normal tissue. Even then, using other therapies such as skin creams will complement these therapies and ameliorate any potential side effects.

It cannot be emphasized enough, that early diagnosis and intervention is essential to ensure the correct choice of treatment. The sooner it is discovered, the greater the range of hyperpigmentation treatment options that will be available to you whether you have skin pigmentation on face, body or both.

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