AILESBURY COSMETIC: 'Hyperpigmentation explained' by Dr. Patrick Treacy

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 22, 2009 – The visible signs of aging cannot be fully avoided, but can be dramatically minimized. The key is to do it as gently as possible. As far as the skin is concerned there are two types of aging - intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging involves the inevitable; as we grow older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and drier.

Photoaging also causes pigment changes with development of age spots (sun-induced freckles) and uneven skin tone. Spider veins and dilated capillaries are another sign of photoaged skin.

The simplest way to see the contrast between intrinsic and extrinsic aging is to compare skin commonly exposed to the sun (face, hands, and neck) and skin not exposed to the sun (usually on the breasts, inner arms or buttocks).

Treatment of hyperpigmentation may include hydroquinone, kojic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, ascorbic acid, tretinoin (Retinol), topical glucocorticoids, and licorice extract. All treatments fail if the affected area is exposed to the sun with inadequate UVA/UVB protection.

Treatments at Ailesbury Clinic

Agera Kojic Plus 2% Lightening Cream
contains a powerful combination of Kojic acid, Kojic Dipalmaite and 2% Hydro Quinone to effectively treat pigmentation of the hands and face. This cream is effective for solar lentigos and age or liver spots.

Phytolightening Cream
This cream contains no HydroQuinone and it is designed to lighten facial and hand pigmentation. Active ingredients include plant-derived mulberry and bear berry extracts which posess tyrosinese inhibition activity blocking the melanocytes which cause pigmentation.

Aurora Skin Rejuvenation FotoFacial
This gentle, no down-time treatment is used to improve cosmetic appearance of face, neck, body and hands by significantly reducing pigmented lesions as well as redness, flushing and improving skin texture and tone.

IPL Quantum Skin Rejuvenation PhotoFacial
Typically performed in four to six treatments over four months, IPL provides gradual improvement with very low risk that patients and physicians find tremendously satisfying. And the procedure is safe enough for application on the face, neck, chest and hands.

Hyperpigmentation is associated with a number of diseases or conditions, including:
Addison's disease and other sources of adrenal insufficiency, in which hormones that stimulate melanin synthesis, such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), are frequently elevated.
Cushing's disease or other excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production, because MSH production is a byproduct of ACTH synthesis from proopiomelanocortin (POMC).
Acanthosis nigricans – hyperpigmentation of intertriginous areas associated with insulin resistance.
Melasma, also known as chloasma – patchy hyperpigmentation often found in pregnant women.
Linea nigra – a hyperpigmented line found on the abdomen during pregnancy.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome – an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa and gastrointestinal polyps.
Certain chemicals such as salicylic acid, bleomycin, and cisplatin.
Smoker's melanosis
Celiac disease
Cronkite-Canada syndrome
Porphyria
Tinea fungal infections such as ringworm
Haemochromatosis - a common but debilitating genetic disorder characterized by the chronic accumulation of iron in the body.