Hyperchromia, dyschromia, hypochromia: skin color alterations

By Cristiano Antonino On May 19, 2023

Skin blemishes are called discolorations. These skin color alterations can be darker, i.e. hyperchromia, or lighter, i.e. hypochromia

It is a condition that occurs more frequently with advancing age, but can appear, more rarely, even in young subjects.

Hyperchromias: what are they?

Hyperchromias are caused by an abnormal pigmentation of a part of the skin caused by an accumulation of melanin.

When a lack occurs, however, we speak of hypochromia.

Also called dark spots, hyperchromias are characterized by an increase in the color tone of the skin and are linked to some factors.

Hyperchromia: the causes

Hyperchromias originate from incorrect exposure to the sun’s rays, in the central hours of the day and without the right protections.

Abnormal pigmentation is also linked to the abuse of sun lamps or to the intake of photosensitizing drugs during the summer, such as the contraceptive pill or some antibiotics.

Hyperchromia can also occur in the presence of hormonal dysfunction, acne or during pregnancy.

Hyperchromia diagnosis

Hyperchromias are not all the same, therefore it is necessary to undergo a thorough dermatological examination with the use of Wood’s lamp.

The expert will then establish the treatment based on the characteristics of the stain.

The simplest to counteract are the hyperchromias that affect the superficial layer of the skin and are brown-black in color.

The bluish-gray formations, on the other hand, are deeper and more difficult to treat.

Care and treatment

The least invasive treatment for eliminating hyperchromia is Pulsed Light with a specific screen lamp.

It is recommended in case of widespread dark spots to reduce their number in a short time.

Usually a treatment cycle includes 2 to 5 sessions on a monthly basis and avoiding sun exposure and tanning lamps for three weeks.

The treatment is not recommended in the summer months and does not affect the patient’s social life or normal daily activities.

In the case of a few hyperchromias, a solution can be represented by the Q-Switched laser with 2 or 3 monthly sessions.

Among the most invasive treatments we find the fractional CO2 laser and cryotherapy.

In the first case, just one session is enough to reduce hyperchromia.

After the cure, it is important to apply healing and antibiotic ointments on the area for at least a week until complete healing.

In the following months it will be necessary to resort to full screen protections to avoid recurrences.

Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen at low temperatures so as not to damage the epidermis.

After the session the skin goes into necrosis and generates a new layer free of spots.

However, this method carries a higher risk of the hyperchromias reappearing.

The treatment of hyperchromias can also take place at home with the use of chemical peels, prescribed by the dermatologist and with exfoliating active ingredients.

These products speed up the turnover of cells found in the superficial layers of the epidermis, lightening the spots.

Topical depigmenting creams are also often recommended, which are very useful if the hyperchromia is not extensive.

If applied consistently, both in the morning and in the evening, they can bring good results.