A pigment disorder of the upper lip (syn. melasma, chloasma) presents itself in the form of darker colored spots on the skin. It can occur not only on the lip, but also on the cheeks, forehead or chin. The development of this pigment disorder can be hormonally induced or occur in the context of serious general illnesses.
Frequency in the population
Since the pigmentation disorders of the upper lip occur most frequently as part of hormonal changes, women are affected much more frequently. Melasma occurs particularly during pregnancy, often from the second month of pregnancy onwards. Hormonal contraceptives (oral contraceptives), UV radiation, and genetic predisposition can also increase the probability of developing a pigment disorder.
(See: Pigment disorders caused by the pill) Approximately 90% of all people affected are women. Persons of any origin can be affected by the pigment disorder. Overall, people in sunny countries and with slightly darker skin, for example Latin Americans, are affected by the pigment disorder.
Cause
The most common cause for the development of a pigment disorder in the area of the upper lip is UV radiation and a hormonal estrogenic gestagen effect. These are caused by oral contraceptives or pregnancy. This generally leads to an increase in the activity of the melanocytes.
These are the pigment-forming cells of the skin, which are responsible for the brown coloration. It is assumed that estrogens and gestagens stimulate the production of melanin pigments. Especially when the skin is exposed to the sun (sunburn).
A genetic component also appears to play a role in the development of a pigment disorder. A familial clustering can also be observed. In very rare cases, serious diseases such as an adrenal gland disease, a tumor or malnutrition are the cause of the pigment disorder.
The contraceptive pill is a hormone preparation for the prevention of pregnancy and therefore intervenes in the hormonal balance of the woman. If the woman is already at a disposition, taking the contraceptive pill can lead to pigment disorders on the upper lip, which are provoked by the UV radiation in sunlight. If the contraceptive pill is suspected of having triggered the pigmentation disorder on the upper lip, sometimes changing the pill preparation helps.
In many cases, however, only discontinuing the pill and switching to other contraceptive methods can help. Unfortunately, the pigment disorders can persist even after discontinuing the pill. The pigment disorder of the upper lip manifests itself in dark, irregular patches.
The dark spots often develop gradually and are mainly in the middle of the face (see: Pigment disorder of the face), as well as in the following areas: Hyperpigmentation is often found symmetrically on both sides of the face. The pigment disorder of the upper lip itself does not cause any symptoms. It does not itch or hurt. The upper lip pigmentation disorder can only be removed for cosmetic reasons; it does not develop into a malignant process.
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Nose and
- Upper lip visible.
