Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Disorders of hyperpigmentation encompass a plethora of pigmentary problems that can range from inherited to acquired. This article focuses on two prevalent disorders of hyperpigmentation and their treatment: melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Each represents an acquired disorder of dyspigmentation with multifactorial etiology, which preferentially affects darker phototypes. Treatment can require a combination of medical, surgical, and laser modalities, as well as patience by both physician and patient. Treatment is limited mainly by the skin phototype of the patient, as darker skin types are more susceptible to adverse effects of treatment.