SKIN: DARKENED

Skin tone depends on the amount of pigment called melanin, which is present in the skin. Dark skin has higher amounts of pigment than lighter skin. Sunlight triggers the body to make more melanin to help protect the skin from the burning rays. This causes the development of a suntan. Birthmarks, freckles, and liver spots are examples of other dark skin marks that are related to melanin levels.

Many factors increase the amount of pigment that can darken skin. Some causes are:

skin irritation from acne, dermatitis, allergy, infection, or sun exposure
skin damage from burning or freezing such as medical treatments with liquid nitrogen or chemical peels
changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy, an over-active thyroid, or birth control pills
high levels of iron or beta-carotene in the body
injections of metals that contain pigment, as in gold shots that are given for arthritis treatment and
diseases such as Addison's disease, diabetes, and anemia

Exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight can be harmful. A toxic reaction to the sun can change the skin's color. This may also occur after eating certain foods, using perfume oils, or taking certain drugs such as tetracycline.

Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher and cover up when in the sun. Apply sunscreen on all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Stay out of tanning booths, as well, to avoid possible skin damage.

Seek medical evaluation if you notice changes in your skin such as bleeding, changes in color, new growths, changes in the shape of moles, or skin lesions that do not heal within 2 weeks.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SYMP3224.rf2 VRS# 6454 Data Version 7.0