Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Skin tone is determined by a brownish pigment calledmelaninthat is produced by skin cells known asmelanocytes.
When melanocytes produce too much melanin, that area of the skin will become darker than the surrounding skin.
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
This is known ashyperpigmentation.
Causes
In most cases, hyperpigmentation of the buttocks is not a cause for alarm.
Some of the changes may be due to skin damage and natural aging which are harder to treat.
Others may be the result of infections, environment, or acne that tend to be more treatable.
Friction Hypermelanosis
Friction hypermelanosisis the darkening of the skin due to friction.
It is a condition commonly seen in occupations that involves excessive sitting for hours on end.
This is often seen with long-distance truck drivers whose vehicles also create persistent vibrations.
The discoloration is mostly seen on the sitting bones on the buttocks.
The friction combined with sweating and can lead to raw, inflamed skin between the buttocks.
With overexposure, the overproduction of melanin can lead to permanently darkened skin spots.
In severe cases, the darkened patches can lead to permanent scarring.
People with darker skin tones are more commonly affected.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can affect any part of the body where acne has occurred, including the buttocks.
Folliculitis
Folliculitisis theinflammationof hair follicles which causes inflamed pimple-like bumps.
These factors provide a bacteria calledStaphylococcus aureuswith the ideal opportunity to enter pores and establish a mild infection.
Keratosis pilaris commonly affects the buttocks, backs of the upper arms, and fronts of the thighs.
There is no specific cause for keratosis pilaris, although it is common in families.
Keratosis pilaris tends to be at its worst during the adolescent and teen years before gradually fading over time.
This can lead to the overgrowth of a bang out of fungus calledCandida albicanswhich also causes yeast infections.
Obesity and diabetes further add to the risk.
Although it is commonly associated with babies, adults with poor bladder or bowel control are also affected.
This is especially true of elderly people withincontinencewho need assistance with toileting and bathing.
In rare cases, the change may be awarning sign of skin cancer.
Cosmetic treatments are also available for people with hyperpigmentation who want to even out skin tones.
It can also reduce inflammation that can make keratosis pilaris and friction hypermelanosis worse.
Discontinue use if there is any burning, pain, or rash.
How Long Do Skin Lighteners Take?
Spots that are a few shades darker than the natural skin color generally fade in six to 12 months.
Discoloration within deeper layers of the skin may take years to fade.
While treatments are available, they can be timely, costly, and have side effects.
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