Open AccessSkin hyperpigmentation in Indian population: Insights and best practice
Author(s) -
Stéphanie Nouveau,
Divya Agrawal,
Malavika Kohli,
Françoise Bernerd,
Namita Misra,
Chitra Nayak
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
indian journal of dermatology/indian journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.395
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1998-3611
pISSN - 0019-5154
DOI - 10.4103/0019-5154.190103
Subject(s) - melasma , medicine , dermatology , hyperpigmentation , ultraviolet radiation , population , modalities , environmental health , social science , chemistry , sociology , radiochemistry
Skin pigmentation is one of the most strikingly variable phenotypes in humans, therefore making cutaneous pigmentation disorders frequent symptoms manifesting in a multitude of forms. The most common among them include lentigines, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark eye circles, and melasma. Variability of skin tones throughout the world is well-documented, some skin tones being reported as more susceptible to pigmentation disorders than others, especially in Asia and India. Furthermore, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is known to trigger or exacerbate pigmentation disorders. Preventive strategies for photoprotection and treatment modalities including topical and other medical approaches have been adopted by dermatologists to mitigate these disorders. This review article outlines the current knowledge on pigmentation disorders including pathophysiology, molecular profiling, and therapeutic options with a special focus on the Indian population.