::... DERMATOLOGY - Hyper Pigmentation of Skin

There may be development of dark patches ( called as Melasma ) on forehead, cheeks and upper lips usually seen in women at the age of 20-40. It occurs frequently during pregnancy and is more common in dark skins than in fair skins. It usually fades a few months after delivery. Melasma also occurs as a side-effect of taking contraceptive pills. It may also be noticed in apparently healthy, normal, non-pregnant women where it is presumed to be due to some mild and harmless hormonal imbalance. Sun exposure, use of deodorant soaps, perfumed toiletries, and various cosmetics can also produce hyper pigmentation. This pigmentation is seen on the sun-exposed areas of neck and face.

Minimise sun exposure of the face. Use sunscreen. No strong soaps or abrasive cleaners - use only a mild soap or cleanser for washing. Application of bleaching creams containing hydroquinone which inhibits formation of new pigment. Bleaching creams take 3 to 6 months to obtain a worthwhile lightening of pigmentation.