What are age spots and why do they appear. How can you identify age spots on your head. What treatments are available for removing age spots. Are age spots a sign of skin cancer. How can you prevent age spots from developing.

Understanding Age Spots: What They Are and Why They Appear

Age spots, also known as liver spots, senile lentigo, solar lentigines, or sun spots, are flat brown, gray, or black spots that commonly appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin. These harmless marks are often mistaken for signs of skin cancer, but they are actually benign pigmentation changes that occur as we age.

Age spots typically develop due to an excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors contribute to their formation:

• Prolonged sun exposure
• Aging skin
• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, including tanning beds
• Genetic predisposition

Are age spots more common in certain individuals? Yes, some people are more prone to developing age spots. Risk factors include:

• Being over 40 years old
• Having fair skin
• Frequent sun exposure
• Regular use of tanning beds

Identifying Age Spots: Key Characteristics and Locations

Recognizing age spots is crucial for distinguishing them from potentially harmful skin conditions. Here are the main characteristics to look out for:

• Color: Range from light brown to black
• Texture: Flat and smooth, similar to surrounding skin
• Size: Vary from tiny freckle-sized to about an inch in diameter
• Shape: Typically round or oval with defined edges
• Grouping: May appear individually or in clusters

Where are age spots most likely to appear? The most common locations include:

• Face and forehead
• Back of hands
• Shoulders
• Upper back
• Forearms

Diagnosing Age Spots: Professional Assessment and Testing

How do healthcare professionals diagnose age spots? Dermatologists typically use two main methods:

1. Visual Inspection

During a visual examination, the dermatologist assesses the color, size, shape, and texture of the spot. They look for characteristics typical of age spots and rule out other skin conditions.

2. Skin Biopsy

If there’s any doubt about the nature of the spot, a dermatologist may recommend a biopsy. This involves removing a small piece of skin from the affected area and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The biopsy can confirm whether the spot is benign or if it requires further treatment.

Treatment Options for Age Spots: From Topical Creams to Medical Procedures

While age spots don’t pose health risks, many people choose to treat them for cosmetic reasons. What are the available treatment options for age spots?

Prescription Medications

Dermatologists may prescribe bleaching creams containing hydroquinone, often combined with retinoids like tretinoin. These creams work gradually over several months to fade age spots. It’s important to note that these treatments can increase skin sensitivity to UV damage, making sun protection crucial.

Medical Procedures

Several medical procedures can effectively remove or reduce age spots:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment: Uses light waves to target and break up melanin in age spots
• Chemical Peels: Remove the outer layer of skin to promote new skin growth
• Cryotherapy: Freezes the age spot to destroy excess pigment
• Laser Therapy: Targets melanin-producing cells without damaging the skin’s surface

What are the potential side effects of these treatments? While generally safe, these procedures may cause temporary redness, swelling, or changes in skin color. In rare cases, more serious complications like scarring or infection can occur.

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Your Skin from Age Spots

Can age spots be prevented? While it’s not always possible to completely prevent age spots, certain measures can significantly reduce your risk:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
• Avoid peak sun hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm)
• Seek shade when outdoors
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

How often should you apply sunscreen? Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Remember, sun protection is crucial even on cloudy days and during winter months.

Age Spots vs. Skin Cancer: When to Seek Medical Attention

While age spots are benign, it’s crucial to differentiate them from potentially cancerous lesions. When should you consult a dermatologist about a skin spot?

• If the spot is darkly pigmented, has changed in appearance, or has an irregular border
• If the spot is rapidly increasing in size
• If the spot is itchy, red, tender, or bleeding
• If you’re unsure about any new or changing skin marks

Regular skin self-examinations and annual check-ups with a dermatologist can help detect any suspicious changes early. Remember, early detection is key in treating skin cancer effectively.

Natural Remedies and Home Treatments for Age Spots

Are there natural ways to fade age spots? While their effectiveness may vary, some people find relief with these home remedies:

• Lemon juice: Contains citric acid that may help lighten dark spots
• Aloe vera: Has natural healing and skin-lightening properties
• Apple cider vinegar: May help reduce the appearance of age spots over time
• Buttermilk: Contains lactic acid that may help exfoliate and lighten skin
• Green tea: Rich in antioxidants that may protect skin and reduce pigmentation

How should you use these natural remedies? Apply the chosen remedy directly to the age spot using a cotton ball or pad. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing. Repeat daily for several weeks to see potential results. Always perform a patch test first to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

Living with Age Spots: Embracing Your Skin’s Natural Changes

While many people choose to treat age spots, it’s important to remember that they are a natural part of aging and sun exposure. How can you embrace your skin’s changes?

• Focus on overall skin health through proper nutrition and hydration
• Practice self-acceptance and positive body image
• Use makeup techniques to even out skin tone if desired
• Prioritize sun protection to prevent further spot formation

Remember, age spots don’t define your beauty or health. They’re simply a testament to the life experiences and outdoor adventures you’ve enjoyed over the years.

The Future of Age Spot Treatment: Emerging Technologies and Research

What new developments are on the horizon for age spot treatment? Researchers are continually working on innovative approaches to address hyperpigmentation:

• Nanotechnology-based treatments for more targeted pigment reduction
• Gene therapy to regulate melanin production
• Advanced laser technologies with minimal downtime
• Combination therapies for enhanced results

As research progresses, we can expect more effective and less invasive treatments for age spots in the coming years. However, prevention through sun protection remains the most reliable strategy for maintaining even skin tone as we age.

Understanding age spots, their causes, and available treatments empowers you to make informed decisions about your skin health. Whether you choose to embrace your age spots or seek treatment, remember that healthy skin is beautiful skin at any age. Always consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and to ensure any concerning skin changes are promptly addressed.

Age Spots: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Age spots themselves are harmless, but it’s possible to mistake them for signs of skin cancer.

Have you noticed a mark that resembles a large freckle on the back of your hand or on your cheek? You may be looking at what’s known as an age spot.

Age spots are flat brown, gray, or black spots on the skin. They usually occur on sun-exposed areas, like the backs of your hands and your face. Age spots are also called liver spots, senile lentigo, solar lentigines, or sun spots.

It’s not uncommon for a single age spot to appear, or for a few to cluster together.

While they may begin developing at an early age, and even during childhood, they’re most common in middle age and older adulthood, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun.

The good news: Age spots aren’t cancerous, and they don’t develop into cancer, either. That said, it’s always a good idea to ask a dermatologist to evaluate any new spots on your skin.

Here’s what to know about age spots, including why they happen, possible risk factors, and how to remove them.

Age spots typically happen due to an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Experts don’t know exactly why age spots develop, but some people do have a hereditary predisposition to them. In other words, you may have a higher chance of age spots if they run in your family.

Other possible causes include skin aging, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, such as tanning beds, and sun exposure. That’s why you’re most likely to develop age spots on areas of your skin that receive the most sun, such as:

• your face
• the backs of your hands
• your shoulders
• your upper back
• your forearms

While anyone can develop age spots, they tend to show up more commonly in people with certain risk factors. These include:

• being older than 40 years old
• having fair skin
• having a history of frequent sun exposure
• having a history of frequent tanning bed use

The main symptoms that characterize age spots include:

• Color. Age spots range from light brown to black in color. They may darken after time in the sun.
• Texture. The spots have the same texture as the rest of your skin. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas. They’re flat to the touch and don’t cause any pain.
• Size. Age spots can vary from the size of a very small freckle to an inch in diameter.
• Grouping. They may appear on their own or in a group, which can make them more noticeable.
• Shape. Age spots are typically round or oval, with very defined edges.

A dermatologist or healthcare professional will usually diagnose age spots with a visual inspection, a biopsy, or both.

Visual inspection

During a visual inspection, your doctor will assess the color, size, and shape to determine whether your mark really is an age spot.

They might also feel the spot to determine whether it has a raised texture or the same texture as your surrounding skin.

Biopsy

If your doctor or dermatologists believes the dark area may be something other than an age spot, they’ll typically suggest a biopsy.

This procedure involves removing a small piece of skin from the age spot and sending it to a lab to test for cancer or other abnormalities.

Age spots don’t cause any health problems, so treatment typically isn’t necessary. That said, you might want to remove age spots because of their appearance.

Options for treatment include the following.

Prescription medications

A dermatologist may prescribe bleaching creams to help fade the age spots gradually. These creams usually contain hydroquinone and sometimes retinoids, such as tretinoin.

Just keep in mind that these creams usually take several months to fade age spots.

Also note that bleaching and tretinoin creams can leave your skin more sensitive to UV damage. It’s essential to wear sunscreen at all times, both during treatment and afterward — even on cloudy and overcast days.

Medical procedures

A number of medical procedures can remove or reduce age spots, but these procedures do carry some risk of side effects and complications.

Ask your dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other skin care professional about which treatment may be most effective for your skin.

Medical procedures for age spots include:

• Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. This treatment emits light waves that pass through the skin and target melanin to destroy or break up age spots. You might experience some redness or swelling after the treatment, but you can return to your regular activities right away. Other potential side effects include bruising, blistering, skin color changes, or infection.
• Chemical peels. These remove the outer layer of your skin, so new skin can grow in its place. Common side effects include redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and mild swelling. More serious side effects, which could be permanent, include scarring, lightning or darkening of the skin, or infection. Deep chemical peels can, in some cases, damage your heart muscle, liver, or kidneys. Recovery times after a chemical peel may take between 4 days and 2 weeks, though redness can remain for several months.
• Dermabrasion. This procedure sands away the outer layers of the skin, so new skin can grow in its place. After this procedure, your skin will likely appear pink and swollen, with a burning or tingling sensation. It can take about 3 months for skin to fully heal. Side effects include acne flares, temporary or permanent skin color changes, scarring, or enlarged pores.
• Cryosurgery. This procedure freezes individual age spots with liquid nitrogen. After the procedure, you may notice blisters, pain, and swelling. Other possible side effects include darkening of the spot, lightening of the skin around the age spot, or scarring.
• Laser treatment. This treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to remove the spot. Side effects include temporary darkening of the spot. After treatment, you’ll need to keep the area clean and avoid picking any scabs.
• Microdermabrasion. This procedure smooths away the outer layer of skin. It involves little to no recovery time, but you’ll want to stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized afterward. Potential side effects can include tenderness, swelling, and redness.

While it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, it’s essential to wear sunscreen after any skin treatments or procedures. Sunscreen protects your healing skin from UV damage, but it also helps prevent age spots from returning.

Over-the-counter treatments

You can also find plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) creams marketed as treatments for age spots. These creams aren’t as strong as prescription creams, but they could help remove excess skin pigmentation.

In short, it’s generally OK to try them before making an appointment with a dermatologist, but keep in mind that they might not be as effective as professional treatment.

If you want to use an OTC cream, opt for one that contains one of the following ingredients:

• deoxyarbutin
• glycolic acid
• alpha hydroxy acid
• kojic acid

Cosmetics don’t remove age spots, but they can certainly help cover them. Ask your dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or a makeup expert about brands and products that effectively conceal age spots.

Other kinds of spots that may appear on your skin as you age include seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer.

Seborrheic keratoses

This round or oval skin growth can appear anywhere on the body except the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, and near your mucous membranes.

These growths:

• tend to begin as small and rough areas before developing a thick, wart-like appearance
• can appear waxy with a slightly raised surface
• are often brown, but can be yellow, white, or black

Seborrheic keratoses aren’t harmful, but sometimes they can be hard to distinguish from melanoma.

Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses typically:

• appear as rough, scaly spots on the hands, arms, or face
• show up in patches about the size of a pencil eraser
• appear in areas that have extensive years of sun damage

You’re more likely to develop actinic keratoses if you:

• are over the age of 60
• have light-colored hair and blue eyes
• burn easily in the sun
• have had lots of sun exposure over your lifetime.

While this kind of spot isn’t a form of cancer, it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. That’s why it’s important to have these spots examined by a doctor or dermatologist.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer often appears on the face, chest, arms, and hands. It usually appears as a new or unusual mole, freckle, or spot. However, symptoms and appearance of the spot can vary, depending on the type of skin cancer.

If you notice any changes in skin spots or moles, it’s always best to have them checked by a doctor.

While age spots don’t require medical treatment, a few key signs can suggest it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.

If the appearance, shape, or size of your age spots change over time, you’ll want to have those checked out. You’ll also want to ask a healthcare professional about any spots that:

• have an unusual combination of colors
• appear black
• have irregular borders or edges
• bleed

While you can’t always prevent age spots, you can take a few steps to help lower your chances of developing them:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Wear sunscreen every day. It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 30 and contain both UVA and UVB protection.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours, and more often if swimming or perspiring.
• Wear protective clothing, such as hats, pants, and long-sleeved shirts. These help protect your skin from UV rays. For the best protection, wear UV-blocking clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 40.

Age spots are harmless changes to the skin that don’t cause pain. In some cases, though, their appearance could cause some emotional distress, or even concerns about skin cancer.

If you’ve noticed any changes in your age spots or would like to try having them lightened or removed, a healthcare professional or dermatologist can examine the spots and offer more guidance about your options for treatment.

Actinic keratosis: Signs and symptoms

Diseases & conditions

• 
  
  Coronavirus Resource Center
  
• 
  
  Acne
  
• 
  
  Eczema
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Psoriasis
  
• 
  
  Rosacea
  
• 
  
  Skin cancer
  
• 
  
  A to Z diseases
  
• 
  
  A to Z videos
  

• DIY acne treatment
• How dermatologists treat
• Skin care: Acne-prone skin
• Causes
• Is it really acne?

• Types & treatments
• Childhood eczema
• Adult eczema
• Insider secrets

• Types of hair loss
• Treatment for hair loss
• Causes of hair loss
• Hair care matters
• Insider secrets

• What is psoriasis
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Skin, hair & nail care
• Triggers
• Insider secrets

• What is rosacea
• Treatment
• Skin care & triggers
• Insider secrets

• Types and treatment
• Find skin cancer
• Prevent skin cancer
• Raise awareness
• Español

Featured

How Natalie cleared her adult acne

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.

JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyday care

• 
  
  Skin care basics
  
• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Injured skin
  
• 
  
  Itchy skin
  
• 
  
  Sun protection
  
• 
  
  Hair & scalp care
  
• 
  
  Nail care secrets
  

• Basic skin care
• Dry, oily skin
• Hair removal
• Tattoos and piercings

• Anti-aging skin care
• For your face
• For your skin routine
• Preventing skin problems

• Bites & stings
• Burns, cuts, & other wounds

• Itch relief
• Poison ivy, oak & sumac
• Rashes

• Shade, clothing, and sunscreen
• Sun damage and your skin
• Aprenda a proteger su piel del sol

• Your hair
• Your scalp

• Nail care basics
• Manicures & pedicures

Featured

Practice Safe Sun

Everyone’s at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists’ tips tell you how to protect your skin.

Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

Darker Skin Tones

• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Hair care
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Diseases & Conditions
  

• Acne
• Dark spots
• Dry skin
• Light spots
• Razor bumps

• Caring for Black hair
• Scalp psoriasis
• Weaves & extensions

• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss

• Acanthosis nigricans
• Acne keloidalis nuchae
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Keloid scars
• Lupus and your skin
• Sarcoidosis and your skin
• Skin cancer
• Vitiligo
• More diseases & conditions

Featured

Fade dark spots

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

Cosmetic treatments

• 
  
  Your safety
  
• 
  
  Age spots & dark marks
  
• 
  
  Cellulite & fat removal
  
• 
  
  Hair removal
  
• 
  
  Scars & stretch marks
  
• 
  
  Wrinkles
  
• 
  
  Younger-looking skin
  

Featured

Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Public health programs

• 
  
  Skin cancer awareness
  
• 
  
  Free skin cancer screenings
  
• 
  
  Kids’ camp
  
• 
  
  Good Skin Knowledge
  
• 
  
  Shade Structure grants
  
• 
  
  Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™
  
• 
  
  Awareness campaigns
  
• 
  
  Flyers & posters
  
• 
  
  Get involved
  

• Lesson plans and activities
• Community grants

Featured

Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

Find a dermatologist

• 
  
  Find a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  What is a dermatologist?
  
• 
  
  FAAD: What it means
  
• 
  
  How to select a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  Telemedicine appointments
  
• 
  
  Prior authorization
  
• 
  
  Dermatologists team up to improve patient care
  

Featured

Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

Reasons for the appearance of spots on MRI images of the brain

MRI examination is a highly informative and painless diagnostic method that allows you to “look” without damaging the skin in any department of the human body of interest. An MRI of the brain can be used to make a final diagnosis and choose the most effective method of treatment.
You can find out more about how the examination is carried out and MRI prices by clicking on the link.

What is an MRI?

MRI is based on a physical phenomenon – magnetic resonance. Its essence lies in the ability of hydrogen atoms that are present in the human body to change their energy potential under the influence of a magnetic field. An MRI machine can be thought of as a big magnet. It creates a powerful field over the area under study and sends out radio frequency pulses that cause hydrogen atoms to resonate.

In different tissues, the amount of hydrogen is different, including those that are covered by pathological processes, so the information from them will differ from healthy organs. Atomic resonance data are read by special sensors and then processed by a computer program that reconstructs the image in the form of slices.
The device provides three-dimensional images in three projections and makes many slices, the thickness of which is set by the doctor on an individual basis, more often it is 2-4 mm. Due to such a large number of sections, the smallest changes can be detected.

What does an MRI image look like?

During the examination, an image is obtained, which is a black sheet, where cerebral structures are displayed in several planes. Images are represented by darkened and brightened zones. Thanks to this contrast, the doctor can see all the details that are caused by the sequence of radio frequency pulses.
During the study, the device produces a series of images, each of them is a layered tissue section, where the following are displayed in detail:

• white matter;
• lobes and furrows;
• ventricles;
• stem;
• cerebellum;
• sinuses;
• vascular structures.

MRI can detect almost any intracranial pathology, such as congenital malformations, tumors, epilepsy, demyelinating processes, sella turcica and others.

Image interpretation

The evaluation of the results is carried out using a special protocol that includes several stages. The data obtained are compared with the indicators of the norm. If a pathological focus is detected, the doctor indicates its localization, distribution area, shape, color, specific characteristics. The contours of a healthy brain have the correct shape, clear furrows that delimit the hemispheres into lobes.
MR signal changes can be caused by:

• edema;
• tumor transformation;
• gliosis;
• vischemia fabrics;
• degenerative processes;
• necrosis;
• purulent fusion and others.

If there are no pathological processes, all structures remain morphologically and anatomically intact – they do not have focal and diffuse changes. In case of detection of cerebral abnormalities, contrast may be required to increase the information content of MRI. If the scan results do not reveal any abnormalities, no other studies are necessary.

White spots on MRI images

The predominant color on the images is gray. The appearance of white and dark spots can be both a manifestation of the norm and pathology. Whites may indicate the presence of:

• benign and malignant tumors;
• abscesses;
• intracerebral hematoma;
• encephalitis;
• epilepsy;
• blood clot;
• multiple sclerosis;
• encephalopathy and other pathologies.

Focal changes can be both single and multiple, large, small and diffuse.

Black spots on MRI images

The appearance of a spot of saturated black color may indicate the loss of a signal from structures where there are no hydrogen atoms. This is due to the fact that the work of any magnetic resonance imaging scanner is tuned to hydrogen atoms, which are very numerous in the body. If the tissue does not contain it, then the loss of the MR signal is observed, which is manifested by pronounced hypointensity.
That is, a black spot can normally be observed from air, which is contained, for example, in the paranasal sinuses, the outer cortical plate of the bones of the cranial vault and its base. But air can also be a manifestation of pathology, if there is pneumocephalus, abscesses, wound channel. An exact decoding can only be given by a specialist, on his own, without a thorough knowledge of physiological and pathological anatomy, it will not work to understand the image.

MRI of the brain in the center “DonMed”

Diagnostic center “DonMed” offers a full range of functional and laboratory diagnostics. The clinic’s specialists perform magnetic resonance imaging of the brain using a high-resolution Philips Achieva 1.5T device. It is versatile and provides high-quality visualization to reveal the smallest pathological foci.
After deciphering the MRI data, the patient can get a medical consultation to determine further tactics of action, draw up a treatment plan. In the clinic “DonMed” you can pass urgent tests, undergo ultrasound, ECG and other types of studies, complex diagnostics.
Diagnostics is carried out by appointment. To get a detailed consultation, sign up for a convenient time for you, call the specified phone number or fill out an application for feedback.

You can find out the prices for MRI by clicking on the link.

The staff of the medical center consists of experienced, competent doctors who constantly improve their skills and know everything about innovative diagnostic methods. We value the health of our patients and approach treatment with the utmost responsibility and attention. Due to advanced expert-class equipment, diagnostics is highly effective and safe.

As a useful bonus, a 5% discount is provided for patients who belong to a social group. You can get acquainted with the conditions of the promotions here .

Pigmented spots on the head: causes of appearance in men and women, under the hair on the skin

People have different attitudes towards the appearance of pigmented spots on the body. Someone gets scared and immediately makes an appointment with a doctor, someone does not worry, considering the pigmentation to be harmless. It should be noted that age spots are different, so you should not take their appearance lightly. Let’s figure out why age spots on the head may appear.

It can be difficult for even the most attentive person to notice the appearance of a spot on, since the skin is hidden by hair, and it is rather problematic to see what is there on the back of your head. Most often, the appearance of such spots is noticed by other people. For example, spots in a child can be noticed by the mother during combing.

Contents

• 1 Why do they appear?
• 2 Nevi
  • 2.1 How to care?
  • 2.2 Treatment
• 3 Spot after sunburn
• 4 Fungal diseases
• 5 Flat warts
• 6 Malignant neoplasm
• 7 In conclusion

Why do they appear?

Pigmentation appears as a result of excessive production of melanin . This is the name of a special pigment that is produced by special skin cells in response to solar radiation. It is on this phenomenon that the tanning effect is based. During exposure to the sun, melanocyte cells begin to actively produce pigment, and the skin becomes darker.

But in some cases, melanocytes do not function properly, producing an excessive amount of pigment in a limited area. As a result, a spot appears, the color of which can vary from red to dark brown. The shade of the spot depends on the amount of pigment.

Do you have freckles?

Of course there is! No, and don’t!

What causes spots? They are:

• too long exposure to the sun, often a spot appears on the spot where there was a sunburn. Of course, the scalp is protected by hair, but this protection is often insufficient;
• various diseases;
• hereditary predisposition;
• injury.

Predisposing factors to the appearance of pigmentation are:

• avitaminosis, especially lack of ascorbic and nicotinic acid;
• foci of chronic infection in the body;
• age, pigmentation may be due to age-related changes in the skin.
  The appearance of dark spots on the head can be both completely harmless and be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, disregarding age spots under the hair is not worth it.

Nevi

Moles or nevi are found on the body of almost every person, they can be located on the scalp. The presence of small flat moles in this part of the body, most often, go unnoticed. But large formations can cause discomfort.

By nature, moles on the scalp are:

• pigmented , that is, formed due to the accumulation of melanocytes. The more pigment-producing cells, the darker the mole will be;
• vascular , that is, formed during the growth of vascular tissues, in this case, the formation will have a red color.

In addition, nevi are distinguished by appearance:

• flat ;
• convex , that is, protruding above the surface of the skin.

Most often, nevi are small, but there are also large formations, over 10 cm in diameter. The appearance of moles on the body is often associated with hormonal changes, so this phenomenon is most often observed during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.

Do you like your freckles?

Oh yes! Of course! No, a nightmare!

How to care?

Flat pigmented moles on the scalp do not require special care, but if the nevus is convex, then you need to be attentive to the neoplasm. It is very important to exclude injury to the mole , so you need to be as careful as possible when combing, washing and styling your hair.

When choosing hats, make sure that they do not put pressure on the pigment spot. It is very important to constantly monitor the condition of the mole, if its size, shape or color changes, you should immediately contact a dermatologist or oncologist.

After detecting a spot on the head, it is recommended to make a “template” of the mole by tracing it through the tracing paper. Then it will be necessary to periodically compare the template with the neoplasm, this will allow you not to miss the onset of changes in the tissues of the nevus.

The danger of nevi located on the scalp lies in the fact that they are located close to the brain, and it is impossible to hesitate when alarming symptoms appear.

Treatment

If the mole on the head is located in such a way that it is extremely difficult to avoid injury, then it makes sense remove formations without waiting for the beginning of tissue degeneration. Of course, you should not make such a decision on your own, you need to consult a specialist.

If removal is required, the following treatment may be offered:

• Surgical excision. The traditional method used to remove neoplasms. It is used in the event that the nature of the neoplasm is unclear, the removed tissues are sent for histology.
• Laser. Removal of a tumor with a laser beam. The operation is bloodless, no scar remains at the site of the mole.
• Liquid nitrogen. The method of cryodestruction is based on the “freezing” of pathological tissues.
• Electrocoagulation. Nevus burning with high frequency current.
• Radio waves. This method uses radio waves instead of a knife.

Spot after sunburn

Pigment spots on the scalp can appear from excessive solar radiation. Moreover, such spots occur not only in men who prefer a “zero” haircut, but also in girls who prefer lush styling.

Hair is not a reliable protection, because the skin is exposed to the most dangerous rays of the sun falling at right angles. Therefore, it is necessary to wear hats in summer.

Skin affected by excessive sun exposure flakes, itches and hurts. Some people mistake these symptoms for dandruff and start using antifungal shampoos. And this is absolutely impossible to do with a burn. Burnt skin needs moisture, so you need to use soft cosmetics that help saturate the cells with moisture.

Treat sunburn on the scalp in the same way as on any other part of the body. But it is better to take preventive measures in advance. If you absolutely do not like to wear hats, panamas or baseball caps, then you should purchase special hair cosmetics with sun protection.

Fungal diseases

Sometimes manifestations of fungal diseases are mistaken for pigment spots on the scalp. Such diseases include lichen. You can get a fungal infection from a sick person or animal. Most often, lichen occurs in children and the elderly, since one of the reasons for the development of infections is a weakened immune system.

When fungal diseases appear on the scalp red or brown spots . As a rule, the surface of the spots is flaky, the hair above the spot may fall out or break off, forming “stumps”. The appearance of spots is accompanied by itching.

If suspicious stains appear, consult a dermatologist. Self-medication can only aggravate the course of the disease. It is necessary to pass tests to determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs, and undergo a course of treatment.

Flat warts

Pigmentation can also be confused with flat warts, which can appear on different parts of the body, including the scalp. The appearance of warts is caused by a viral infection. But formations on the skin do not appear in all infected people, but only with a decrease in immunity.

The wart may be brown. But unlike a mole, a wart is always convex and has an uneven surface. For the treatment of warts, you need to contact a dermatologist.

Malignant neoplasm

Sometimes nevus cells begin to degenerate, and then a malignant neoplasm forms on the skin – melanoma . This is a very dangerous disease, as it has an aggressive course and very quickly provokes the growth of metastases. People with very fair skin, as well as those who have had cases of malignant diseases among blood relatives, are at risk for the formation of melanoma.

Melanoma can be difficult to spot at first glance and can look different. It can be smooth hemispherical, bumpy or nodular.

Signs of the development of a malignant neoplasm

Symptoms of mole transformation into melanoma can be different, you should pay attention to the following symptoms:

• discomfort, itching;
• a long non-healing weeping ulcer is formed;
• there is a discharge of blood from the spot;
• formation begins to change size – grow rapidly;
• the boundaries of the neoplasm change, become uneven;
• the color changes, the stain may darken or, conversely, lighten;
• signs of inflammation appear around the spot – reddening of the skin, swelling.

Sometimes, with the development of a malignant neoplasm, there are signs of a general deterioration in well-being:

• prolonged persistence of slightly elevated temperature;
• weakness;
• weight loss.

The main component of the success of the treatment of this neoplasm is early diagnosis. The earlier treatment was started, the greater the chance. Melanoma is removed surgically or with a laser, then a course of radiation and chemotherapy may be additionally prescribed.

Prevention of the development of the disease is protection from the sun. If there are moles on the head, you need to monitor their condition. If the slightest change in size or appearance appears, contact an oncodermatologist.

In conclusion

Brown spots on the head can be harmless moles that are inherited. But, it is possible that the appearance of such spots is a sign of a serious illness, so a visit to a dermatologist will not be superfluous.