Abstract
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that affects people of all skin types, all ages and
both genders. It is caused by the over-production of the skin pigment melanin, resulting in spots
on the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. Melanin overproduction can be caused by
several factors including inflammation, sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, drugs, and medical
conditions. Hyperpigmentation is usually a harmless cosmetic condition, but it could also be an
indication of serious underlying medical condition. People suffering from hyperpigmentation may
be embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance and are inclined to seek ways to lighten
the pigmentation.
There are a variety of potential treatment methods, including cosmetic procedures, topical creams,
herbal products, and home remedies, all with varying degrees of efficacy and adverse effects. Some
of the ingredients used in skin lightening products and/or treatments are harmful or dangerous
substances, that are still used by some consumers due to lack of awareness, knowledge, ignorance
and desperation for a successful treatment. To date, no research has been done on the use and
efficacy of treatments for hyperpigmentation in a student population in South Africa (Gauteng).
This study aimed to determine the use and perceived effect of treatments used for
hyperpigmentation by University of Johannesburg (UJ) Health Science students by utilizing a
questionnaire. After receiving permission to conduct the study from Dr Nonkwelo (University of
Johannesburg Department of Research and Innovation), a total of 75 students were recruited to
participate in this survey. A questionnaire was used to determine the use and perceived effect of
hyperpigmentation treatments in the Faculty of Health Sciences students at the University of
Johannesburg. The survey was conducted from 02 March to 11 May 2022. The survey was then
analysed after it was completed and collected.
The results of this study indicated that although most of the participants resorted to combination
therapies that included using all three forms of hyperpigmentation treatments (oral medications,
topical lightening creams and professional treatments), topicals lightening creams (64.0%; n=48)
were the most used first-line treatment. While the participants experienced different side effects
or unwanted reactions with all three forms of treatment the leading one was skin irritation of a
mild to severe degree. Both hyperpigmentation and its treatment cause a decline in confidence
levels of its sufferers, as it can be very hard to treat and difficult to find an effective treatment that
can cause less or no harm at all, be affordable and accessible, and not have to use for it for longer
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periods of time before seeing results. All these aspects emphasise the difficulties associated with
hyperpigmentation and its treatment, and its negative effects on a psychological, emotional,
financial, and physical level.