Diagnosis of hyperpigmentation
If you have hyperpigmentation you’ll need to visit a dermatologist. This is a specialist in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
Firstly, your dermatologist will request your medical history. He would have detailed questions like:
- If you have any other existing health conditions.
- You are currently on any medication or supplement.
- Certain lifestyle habits, like if you use sun protection.
- when the hyperpigmented spot appeared when exactly the hyperpigmented spots appeared
- If you have tried any treatment.
Your dermatologist will then examine the affected area. This should be enough to diagnose hyperpigmentation, but your dermatologist may decide to perform further examines, using black light.
This exam is referred to as Wood’s lamp examination. It’ll help determine the layer of the skin affected by hyperpigmentation. Wood lamp examination also helps diagnose other skin conditions like an Infection or vitiligo.
If the cause is still unclear, your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy. This will involve collecting a small skin sample to be evaluated under a microscope.