Upper lip pigment disorder
General / Introduction
A pigment disorder of the upper lip (syn. Melasma, chloasma) appears in the form of dark colored spots on the skin. It can appear not only on the lip, but also on the cheeks, forehead or chin. The development of this pigmentation disorder can be hormonally related as well as in the context of severe general illnesses.
Frequency in the population
Since the pigment disorders of the upper lip most often take place in the context of hormonal changes, women are affected significantly more often. Melasma occurs especially during pregnancy, often from the second month of pregnancy.
Hormonal contraceptives (oral contraceptives), UV radiation and genetic predisposition can also increase the likelihood of developing a pigment disorder. (Psee: Pigmentation disorders due to the pill)
Approx. 90% of all those affected are women. The pigment disorder can affect people of all origins. Overall, people in sunny countries and with slightly darker skin, for example Latin Americans, are affected by the pigment disorder.
root cause
The most common cause for the development of a pigmentation disorder in the area of the upper lip are UV rays and a hormonal estrogen gestagesn effect.
These are caused by oral contraceptives or pregnancy. Basically there is an increase in activity of the Melanocytes. These are the pigment-forming cells of the skin, which are responsible for the brown color.
It is believed that Estrogens and Progestins stimulate the production of melanin pigments. Especially when the skin is exposed to the sun (sunburn). A genetic component also appears to play a role in the development of a pigment disorder.
A familial accumulation can also be observed. In very rare cases, serious medical conditions, such as adrenal disease, are one tumor or malnutrition cause the Pigment disorder.
Pigment disorder on the upper lip due to the pill
The Birth control pills is a hormone preparation for preventing pregnancy and consequently interferes with the hormonal balance of women.
If the woman has a disposition, taking the contraceptive pill can lead to pigmentation disorders on the upper lip, caused by the UV radiation be provoked in sunlight.
If the contraceptive pill is suspected to have triggered the pigmentation disorder in the upper lip, it can sometimes help to change the pill preparation. In many cases, however, only stopping the pill and switching to other methods of contraception will help. Unfortunately, the pigment disorders can persist even after stopping the pill.
Symptoms
The Pigment disorder of the upper lip manifests itself in dark, irregular spots.
The dark spots often develop gradually and are mostly in the center of the face (please refer: Pigment disorder in the face), as well as in the following places:
- Cheeks
- forehead
- nose and
- Upper lip to see.
The hyperpigmentation is often found symmetrically on both sides of the face. The pigment disorder of the upper lip itself does not cause symptoms. It doesn't itch or hurt.The pigment disorder of the upper lip can only be removed for cosmetic reasons; it does not develop into a malignant (malignant) process.
therapy
The basic therapy is a daily and good sun protection, because the hyperpigmentation is intensified by UV light.
For this reason, solariums should also be avoided as a matter of principle.
In addition to the light protection, which before UVA and UVB rays should protect, a lightening can be achieved with the help of chemical agents. These include:
- Hydroquinone
- Tretinoin
- or Azelaic acid
Hydroquinone is said to inhibit melanin production, tretinoin accelerates the renewal of skin cells and azelaic acid reduces the activity of melanocytes. Skin peelings with alpha hydroxy acid or glycolic acid are also options for lightening hyperpigmentation. In general, any therapy should be checked and selected by a dermatologist.
In some cases, this can also be combined products or additional local products Steroids prescribe. If the pigmentation disorder occurred due to medication or oral contraceptives, a change of therapy should be considered.
In addition, people who suffer from a pronounced pigmentation disorder can cover up the annoying skin conditions with the help of cosmetics. In the case of hypopigmentation, for example Self-tanner be applied.
Treatment with a cream
After consistent UV protection of the upper lip, creams are the second measure to treat pigment disorders on the upper lip.
Most creams contain bleaching agents that Pigment disorder should bleach.
Bleaching creams should only be applied to the area of the pigmentation disorder in order to protect the surrounding skin. It is recommended to use the cream in the morning and in the evening and also to use a sunscreen cream during the day.
Users should be patient: only after a few weeks do you see results. On the over-the-counter market are cosmetic creams that contain various bleaching ingredients:
- Dioic acid
- Azelaic acid and
- B-rescorcinol
are the most common substances found in bleaching cosmetic creams. You can get a prescription cream with Hydroquinonethat inhibits melanin synthesis. However, hydroquinone is said to be carcinogenic and should therefore only be used cautiously and for a maximum of three months.
An even stronger prescription drug is kojic acid, which is said to be five times stronger and have fewer side effects.
The strongest effectiveness (100 times stronger than hydroquinone) one suspects at Rucinol, a relatively new active ingredient.
Tretinoin that Vitamin A acid also requires a prescription and should let the pigmentation fade after six weeks. Since the creams have to be used for a long time, skin irritation can occur. The skin is particularly sensitive on the upper lip, so a doctor should be consulted in the event of inflammatory changes in the skin.
Even with over-the-counter bleaching agents or cosmetic bleaching creams, skin irritations can occur, which should then be clarified by a doctor.
Summary
A Pigment disorder of the upper lip is a benign proliferation of melanocytes or an increase in their activity.
These changes occur in the framework hormonal changes, UV exposure or through serious illnesses like Tumors or adrenal cortical disease.
They develop slowly and take on a brownish color. They mainly occur at the Upper lip, chin, Cheeks or forehead on. There is no evidence of malignant degeneration, so the removal can take place for purely cosmetic reasons.
The most important therapy is consistent light protection. In addition, a dermatologist can prescribe various local creams that lighten the pigmentation disorder.
However, a lot of patience is required here, as the result often only becomes visible after months. Removal by laser is often not promising, on the contrary, it can lead to worsening of the symptoms.
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