Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. Extra melanin creates spots or patches that look brown, black, gray, red or pink. The areas are not painful or itchy, but they can make people self-conscious. Several lifestyle changes and treatments can help, especially sun protection and skin care.

Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker than others. "Hyper" means more, and "pigment" means color.

Hyperpigmentation can appear as brown, black, gray, red or pink spots or patches. The spots are sometimes called age spots, sun spots or liver spots.

The spots can occur in just one area of the body or all over.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker.

Many things can lead to hyperpigmentation:

• Adrenal disorders such as Addison's disease, when the body doesn't make enough of a hormone called cortisol.
• Genetics, such as a family with freckles.
• Hormone changes, such as during puberty or pregnancy.
• Injury to the skin (for example, acne, cuts or burns), which is sometimes called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Medications, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and drugs that cause sensitivity to light.
• Melasma.
• Not getting enough of certain vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid.
• Sun damage (these spots are often called solar lentigines).
• Thyroid disorders.

Other than dark spots, hyperpigmentation doesn't cause any symptoms.