Hello and welcome to Healthcaremagic.com Skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal is usually not a sign of a serious medical condition. Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Causes of hyperpigmentation include: • History of skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) • Use of certain medications (such as minocycline) • Endocrine diseases such as Addison s disease • Hemochromatosis (iron overload) • Sun exposure Over-the-counter creams are available for lightening the skin. If you use these creams, follow instructions carefully and don t use one for more than 3 weeks at a time. Darker skin requires greater care when using these preparations. Cosmetics may also help cover a discoloration. Avoid too much sun exposure. Always use sunscreen. Abnormally dark skin may continue even after treatment. Experts recommend emotional support or counseling. Most prescription creams used to lighten the skin contain hydroquinone. Bleaches lighten and fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin so those dark spots gradually fade to match normal skin coloration. Prescription bleaches contain twice the amount of hydroquinone, the active ingredient, as over-the-counter skin bleaches. In more severe cases prescription creams with tretinoin and a cortisone cream may be used. These may be somewhat irritating to sensitive skin and will take 3-6 months to produce improvement. Home care of your condition with yogurt fruit peels may have some benefit for freckling of the skin. If you have large areas of hyperpigmentation, this may not assist you. You may try these products yourself within your home without the assistance of a dermatologist. Be sure to inform your dermatologist of the products you are using. Do not use several products at the same time. If you purchase any creams for lightening of your hyperpigmentation, ensure that no mercury is in the product. Sun exposure will make your condition worse. Use a sunscreen that blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays. Be well, Dr. Kimberly