Abstract

DEMYSTIFYING HYPERPIGMENTATION: A JOURNEY FROM DARK TO LIGHT

*Tabish Nisar, Aiman Rashid, Dimpal Rani, Dr. Pratheeksha Reddy

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Abstract

Hyperpigmentation is a disease of the skin where there is disruption of the production of melanin that causes skin disorders. The major work of melanin is to absorb the dangerous UV and convert it into heat energy and thus preventing skin disorders. Usually, it does occur in two forms, viz, hyperpigmentation disorders and Hypopigmentation disorders. There will be either an increase in melanin production or a decrease in it, resulting in certain types of disorders. Melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, solar lentigines, vitiligo, etc., are some of the usual disorders of pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation of any kind creates a huge social and emotional impact on the person, specifically on the individuals whose pigmentation involves parts that are noticed, like the face, hands, feet, neck, and gum. Multiple remedies can be followed by the topical route, oral route, laser therapy and chemical peeling, and new kinds of remedies that have a better result to overcome pigmentation. They included hydroquinone derivatives such as azelaic acid, kojic acid. Even newer alternatives such as cysteamines, peptides, 4-n-butyl resorcinol, laser therapy, chemical peel, and new formulations are also gaining wide usage now, as there are fewer side effects of these newer formulations. Such medications suppress the activity of tyrosinase, and as a result, melanin cannot be produced. Such a review is more on the introductory overview of the hyperpigmentation, the causative factors, types and the various approaches of treatment of pigmentation, as well as the importance of having new and emerging forms of treatment of pigmentation.[1,2]

Keywords: Hyperpigmentation, melanocytes, tyrosinase, inflammation, combination treatment, pigmentation disorders, novel therapies.