Diffuse hyperpigmentation: A comprehensive approach

Abstract

Skin color is determined by melanin and other chromophores and is influenced by physical factors (ultraviolet radiation) and other endocrine, autocrine, and paracrine factors. Being the largest organ of the body, any aberration in skin color (hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation) can have impact on the patients’ quality of life. Hyperpigmentation may be circumscribed or diffuse. Diffuse hyperpigmentation can be multifactorial in origin; hence, a multipronged approach is needed in such cases. First, the cause (systemic or cutaneous) needs to be ascertained, and then disease-specific management needs to be performed. The biggest challenge in such cases is to treat the hyperpigmentation itself; hence, counseling and general treatment (the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, the avoidance of sun exposure, etc.) play crucial role, and an interdisciplinary approach may be required, especially when the hyperpigmentation is due to a systemic cause.

Keywords

• Approach
• cause
• diffuse hyperpigmentation
• investigations
• treatment