10
Mar
Hyperpigmentation evaluation, treatment that is personalized to your one-of-a-kind skin
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that are darker than your “normal” skin tone. These dark spots are very common; the American Academy of Dermatology reports that up to 90% of us will experience hyperpigmentation in our lifetimes. It is more likely to affect individuals with excessive sun exposure or who tan, and those with melanin-rich skin. It is also associated with pregnancy, and certain health conditions, and medications, such as the use of some antibiotics and Addison’s disease. As an experienced, Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hope Mitchell regularly sees a diverse patient base at Mitchell Dermatology in Fremont and Perrysburg, Ohio. Our team thoroughly understands your needs and can develop a personalized plan tailored to your skin type and tone, effectively and safely addressing your areas of concern.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is fundamentally caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanocytes, which produce melanin pigment, cluster together. These clumps or clusters can then show up on our skin as pigmentation that is darker than the surrounding tissue.
What triggers this?
Different types of hyperpigmentation are associated with other causes. We’ve highlighted a few examples below:
- Freckles, sun spots, and solar lentigines – Look like small brown spots that appear in sun-exposed areas, as the sun or tanning triggers the production of melanin pigment (as a means of attempting to protect itself from UV radiation)
- Melasma – Larger brown/gray patches associated with hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and when using oral contraceptives
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – Dark brown, gray, and purple discoloration that occurs as the skin heals following acne breakouts, eczema flare-ups, and other injuries to the skin (the inflammation triggers increased melanin production)
How do you treat these different types of hyperpigmentation?
Since the source and severity of hyperpigmentation can vary, Dr. Mitchell’s treatment recommendations can also vary considerably depending on your individual needs. For instance, PIH and melasma can be particularly stubborn or persistent. Dr. Mitchell may recommend a combination of different therapies and medical products – ranging from topical and/or oral (systemic) medications to chemical peels, microneedling, and light-based treatments like LaseMD.
Real Patient Before and After Images
Call Our Office for More Information
Perrysburg Patients: 419.871.3737 | Fremont Patients: 419.871.3636 Request an Appointment
How does LaseMD work to help with hyperpigmentation?
The LaseMD system by Lutronic is a laser treatment. The energy from the laser targets the excessive melanin in the skin. Only those targeted areas are treated. The laser triggers a process that breaks down the pigment. The surrounding tissue remains untouched. The laser also stimulates healthy wound healing. It encourages the formation of new, healthy, unblemished skin cells. Chemical peels and other forms of skin resurfacing can work similarly, encouraging cell turnover and removing damaged, pigmented cells.
Why is it important to choose a dermatologist with experience caring for all skin tones and skin types?
Due to Dr. Mitchell‘s extensive experience with various skin types, she can accurately and properly evaluate your skin. She also has the knowledge and expertise to recommend treatments that will not further aggravate your skin and will work with and not against your skin. For instance, some treatments for dark spots can actually exacerbate the condition in individuals with higher melanin risk or darker skin tones. So, don’t trust the safety and health of your skin to just any dermatologist. Choose a practice like Mitchell Dermatology – we appreciate that the right treatment and skincare is never one-size-fits-all.
Call to schedule your personalized consultation in Fremont, OH 419.871.3636 or Perrysburg 419.871.3737 today.
Hope Mitchell, MD
Connect on LinkedIn
Hope Mitchell, MD, is the founder and medical director of Mitchell Dermatology and an Ohio board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience and expertise. Dr. Mitchell obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Rochester and Doctorate of Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio, where she also completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a Pathology Fellowship. She also completed a residency in dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and is certified by the American Board of Dermatology. She advocates mentorship, education, and diversity in medicine and dermatology. She is the founder of the Mitchell Dermatology Student Gap Year Internship Program. She has been featured in many newspapers and magazines and is also a speaker for Google and Black Women in Media too. Dr. Mitchell is the Vice Chair and Director of Research for The National Medical Association, Dermatology Section. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and a Member of the Skin of Color Society and National Medical Association.