What causes sudden skin darkening?

Author: Jerry Schimmel DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, May 31, 2025

Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills) Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.

Why have I suddenly gone darker?

Increased Melanin Production: One common reason for skin darkening is increased melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving color to our skin. Hormonal changes, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to darker skin (1).

What causes sudden dark skin color?

Some types of skin discoloration are caused by melanin production. Your body's cells produce melanin, which gives your skin (and hair and eyes) its color. Sometimes, these melanin-containing cells get damaged and begin producing too much or too little melanin. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker.

What deficiency causes skin darkening?

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.

Why is my skin randomly darkening?

Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills) Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.

Best Remedy for Hyperpigmentation

Can low iron make your skin darker?

Iron, a vital nutrient for our bodies, plays a role in melanin production, the pigment responsible for our skin colour. Some studies have suggested that iron deficiency may lead to increased melanin production, potentially playing a role in the development of melasma.

Which hormone causes skin darkening?

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin.

What autoimmune disease causes skin discoloration?

Vitiligo is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. This happens when melanocytes – skin cells that make pigment – are attacked and destroyed, causing the skin to turn a milky-white color.

What does your skin look like with Addison's disease?

Symptoms of Addison's disease include: Steadily worsening fatigue (most common symptom). Patches of dark skin (hyperpigmentation), especially around scars and skin creases and on your gums.

Why is my skin getting darker without sun?

If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.

Why does everything suddenly look darker?

A change in color perception can be caused by many different eye diseases. Cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease such as macular degeneration and disease of the optic nerve such as optic neuritis or any other optic nerve problem can cause this.

Why does my skin tone change randomly?

Irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin can be caused by: Changes in melanin, a substance produced in the skin cells that gives skin its color. Growth of bacteria or other organisms on the skin. Blood vessel (vascular) changes.

What infection causes skin darkening?

Overview. Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin. The fungus interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in small, discolored patches. These patches may be lighter or darker in color than the surrounding skin and most commonly affect the trunk and shoulders.

What drug makes your skin darker?

The incidence of this change varies, and depends on the type of medication involved. Some of the most common drugs involved are NSAIDs, antimalarials, psychotropic drugs, Amiodarone, cytotoxic drugs, tetracyclines, and heavy metals such as silver and gold (which must be ingested, not just worn).

What can be mistaken as vitiligo?

Here's a look at seven other skin conditions that are sometimes mistaken for vitiligo and how they differ from it.
  • Albinism. Masego Morulane/Getty Images; Canva. ...
  • Hansen's Disease (Leprosy) Adobe Stock. ...
  • Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH) iStock. ...
  • Melasma. Duangjan J/Shutterstock. ...
  • Pityriasis Alba. ...
  • Scleroderma. ...
  • Tinea Versicolor.

What medical condition causes darkening of the skin?

Causes
  • Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
  • Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills)
  • Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease.
  • Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
  • Sun exposure.
  • Pregnancy (melasma, or mask of pregnancy)
  • Certain birthmarks.

What does scleroderma skin look like?

Localized scleroderma typically causes patches of thick, hard skin in one of two patterns. Morphea causes patches of skin to thicken into firm, oval-shaped areas. These areas may have a yellow, waxy appearance surrounded by a reddish or bruise-like edge.

Can arthritis cause skin darkening?

Rheumatoid vasculitis is a type of vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation). It affects people who've had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for a long time (usually 10 years or more). It causes skin rashes, sores and discoloration, usually on or around your fingers, hands, feet and toes.

Why do I look tanned all of a sudden?

Your skin can develop darker patches as the result of excess melanin production, typically caused by skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and poor lifestyle choices.

What are signs of low progesterone?

What are the signs of low progesterone?
  • Irregular menstrual periods.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or depression.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Bloating or weight gain.

Why is my skin pigmentation getting darker?

It occurs when the skin produces excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Hyperpigmentation is very common on skin of color, as darker skin tones already have a higher melanin content. Burns, bruises, acne, rashes, or other trauma to the skin can cause it to produce more melanin and lead to dark spots.

What does iron deficiency skin look like?

Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are related to decreased oxygen delivery to the entire body and may include: Being pale or having yellow "sallow" skin. Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy.

What drink has the most iron?

The following drinks high in iron for anemia can supplement your diet:
  • Prune juice. Prune juice is high in iron and is an excellent supplement to heme (animal-based) iron. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Spinach, cashew, and raspberry smoothie. ...
  • Cocoa and beef liver smoothie. ...
  • Pea protein shakes. ...
  • Pumpkin juice.

What hurts when your iron is low?

Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath. Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.

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