How is pigmentation manifested?
It is very important for the fair sexpay attention to the problem in time to eliminate the cause immediately. It is much more difficult, expensive and costly to deal with the consequences, both from a financial and time point of view. Signs of pigmentation are:
- darker local skin coloration;
- different shape and shape of the pigmented area;
- clearly delineated boundaries;
- smooth surface of the pigmented section;
- color can be very diverse, ranging from light yellow to dark brown;
- the most frequent localization is the open areas of the skin (forehead, cheekbones, nose, skin over the upper lip).
Next we will talk about pigmentation above the upperlip, including ways to get rid of this cosmetic defect. But remember that all this is written for informational purposes. In any case, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist and cosmetologist before self-medication.
Causes of pigmentation above the upper lip
Increased melanin production in certain areasplaces is a sign that reflects the unfavorable state of the entire human body. This statement is true, since ultraviolet light, which stimulates the production of melanin, hits the face completely, and pigmentation is formed only above the upper lip. The most common reasons for this should be considered:
- diseases of the thyroid gland, which are accompanied by a change in its functional state - hypo- or hyperthyroidism (diffuse toxic goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis, nodular goiter, etc.);
- adrenal gland diseases (primarily Addison's disease, which has a second name - bronze disease);
- pregnancy (during pregnancy, the formation of melanin increases as a result of hormonal reorganizations);
- violations of the ovarian-menstrual cycle;
- taking hormonal drugs with a contraceptive or therapeutic purpose;
- liver diseases, in which metabolism of melanin and its neutralization is disturbed;
- disease of the pituitary gland, which controls the release of a hormone that stimulates the synthesis of melanin (this can be inflammatory or cancer).
Thus, the reasons that may leadto the appearance of pigmentation above the upper lip, are varied and sometimes represent serious pathological processes. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly seek help from a specialist, and not listen to the advice of "knowledgeable" people.
Pigmentation in the summer
Features of facial structure can determinethe appearance of pigmentation above the upper lip in the summer, when it is not considered a pathological variant. Gradually, such pigmentation becomes lighter and disappears completely. In this case, there is no need to worry about its appearance. This part of the face should be protected from excessive sun rays. For this purpose, it is recommended to use sunscreens with a high protection factor, which should be applied to the face 15-20 minutes before going outside.
Pigmentation as a symptom of the disease
If the pigmentation above the upper lip is notis associated with increased insolation, and is observed at any time of the year, you need to seek help from a doctor to undergo an examination and take tests. Only a doctor can determine the reason for which pigmentation appears. To do this, he prescribes appropriate studies that will help establish an accurate diagnosis. Usually, the diagnostic search includes the following studies:
- determination of the level of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, thyroid-stimulating hormone;
- test of testosterone;
- assessment of urinary 17-ketosteroids in the urine, determination of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the blood;
- determination of cortisol level;
- assessment of the level of chorionic gonadotropin (allows to clarify the diagnosis of pregnancy);
- evaluation of the hormonal background in menstrual disorders (determine the level of estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone);
- carry out liver tests to evaluatethe functional state of the liver (determine the level of total, direct and indirect bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumins and globulins, creatinine and urea);
- assessment of the level of tropic hormones that are secreted by the pituitary gland;
- perform ultrasound examination of the thyroid and liver;
- for the diagnosis of the pathological process ina computed tomography (recommended in the absence of a radiograph of the Turkish saddle, but this is a less sensitive method of diagnosis) is recommended.
Thus, diagnosis of the causes of pigmentation involves hormonal and instrumental examination.
Treatment of pigmentation over the upper lip
It is quite obvious that local treatmenthyperpigmentation should be based on eliminating the cause that caused its appearance, as well as on local therapy that helps remove excess melanin. Therefore, several doctors take part in the treatment of this pathology. At least 2 specialists: a dermatologist-cosmetologist and a therapist. Only with a comprehensive approach to hyperpigmentation therapy can you count on a good result.
Local hyperpigmentation therapy on the face
Nowadays, in a highly effective wayremoval of pigment spots is laser removal. Using ultrasound for this purpose is less effective. And different types of peeling (chemical, mechanical) are significantly inferior in effectiveness. Also, to achieve a good cosmetic result, it is recommended to use biotattoo. Let's consider the mechanism of action of the laser beam, possible contraindications to this procedure. Advantages of the alexandrite-neodymium laser The alexandrite-neodymium laser is the latest word in technology and scientific thought, which allows you to painlessly get rid of annoying pigmentation on the face. The high efficiency of this method of getting rid of excess melanin is achieved due to the following properties of the laser beam:
- a laser wavelength is chosen that will destroy the pigment only in those places where it is necessary without affecting other parts of the skin;
- there is no trauma to a number of located cells;
- delicacy of procedure - does not leave scarring and scars after its carrying out.
The mechanism of pigment-destroying action of laserbeam Pigmented cells have an increased ability to absorb laser radiation. By absorbing laser energy, the bonds between melanin molecules are destroyed. Therefore, it is easily removed from the skin by macrophages and other cells of the immune system. As a result, the skin brightens before your eyes. It is important that the laser beam does not have a damaging effect on healthy skin. How the procedure is performed and how the rehabilitation period proceeds Laser removal of pigmentation above the upper lip is a completely painless procedure that does not require anesthesia. A skin treatment session lasts on average from 5 to 10 minutes, without distracting a person from their usual lifestyle. After laser removal of pigmentation, slight redness of the skin remains at the site of exposure. This slight hyperemia usually goes away within half an hour. The destruction and removal of pigment from the skin is accompanied by slight peeling, which disappears on its own after a few days. After this, the pigment spots disappear completely. Usually, one session is enough to get rid of pigmentation above the upper lip.
Safety of laser pigmentation removal
The laser beam is completely harmless,since its various parameters can be adjusted. Therefore, the possibility of burns, scars and increased persistent pigmentation against this background is completely excluded. A highly qualified specialist will select an individual wavelength and intensity of laser radiation. Thus, pigmentation above the upper lip causes great cosmetic discomfort to a person. The reasons for its appearance can be very diverse, including serious pathological processes in the body. Therefore, in all cases of pigmentation above the upper lip, a consultation with a highly qualified doctor is required. After establishing the exact cause, both systemic and local treatment can be carried out. In local therapy, the main place is occupied by laser removal of hyperpigmentation.
