What causes dark spots on skin. How to treat hyperpigmentation effectively. Which home remedies can fade skin discoloration. When to see a dermatologist for dark patches. Are dark spots on skin dangerous.

Understanding Hyperpigmentation: The Science Behind Dark Spots

Dark spots on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation, occur when there is an overproduction of melanin in certain areas. Melanin is the pigment responsible for giving color to our eyes, skin, and hair. While these spots are generally harmless and don’t require medical treatment, many people seek to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Hyperpigmentation can manifest in various forms, ranging from light brown to dark brown patches. The color intensity often depends on an individual’s natural skin tone. These spots typically have the same texture as the surrounding skin and are not associated with pain or discomfort.

Common Areas for Dark Spots

• Back of the hands
• Face
• Back
• Shoulders

Dark spots are more likely to appear on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. For individuals with darker skin tones, spots that are a few shades darker than their natural skin color usually fade within 6 to 12 months. However, deeper coloration may take years to lighten naturally.

Unveiling the Causes: Why Dark Spots Appear on Your Skin

Understanding the root causes of dark spots is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Let’s explore the various factors that contribute to the development of hyperpigmentation:

Sun Damage: The Primary Culprit

Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of dark spots, often referred to as sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots. These typically appear on areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, and arms. Tanning beds can also contribute to the formation of these spots.

Hormonal Changes: The Melasma Connection

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by small patches of skin discoloration. It’s more prevalent in women, especially during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that hormonal fluctuations may trigger melasma, leading to the appearance of dark spots.

Medication Side Effects: An Unexpected Cause

Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation, resulting in dark spots. The most common culprits include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Tetracyclines
• Psychotropic drugs

Inflammation and Skin Conditions

Dark spots can develop following periods of skin inflammation. Various conditions can trigger this response, including:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Skin injuries
• Acne

Post-Healing Pigmentation

After the healing of insect bites, burns, or cuts, dark spots may remain on the skin. While these spots often fade with time, the process can be gradual.

Skin Irritation from Cosmetic Products

Some cosmetic skin and hair products can irritate the skin, leading to the formation of dark patches. It’s essential to be mindful of the products you use and how your skin reacts to them.

Diabetes-Related Skin Changes

Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker. Conditions associated with diabetes that may lead to skin discoloration include:

• Acanthosis nigricans: Causes darkened, velvety skin
• Shin spots or diabetic dermopathy: Often mistaken for age spots

Professional Treatments: Dermatological Approaches to Dark Spots

While dark spots don’t require treatment for medical reasons, many individuals seek to remove them for cosmetic purposes. Dermatologists offer various treatments to lighten or remove dark spots. These professional interventions tend to work faster than over-the-counter solutions but may be more expensive and carry a higher risk of side effects.

Laser Treatments: Targeting Melanin

Laser treatments are a popular option for addressing dark spots. The most common type used for this purpose is the intense pulse light (IPL) laser. This treatment works by targeting melanin in the skin and breaking up the dark spots.

Microdermabrasion: Promoting New Skin Growth

During microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a specialized device with an abrasive surface to remove the outer layer of skin. This process stimulates new collagen growth, which can help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.

Chemical Peels: Exfoliating for Renewal

Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates the surface layer. This treatment promotes new skin growth and can gradually fade dark spots.

Cryotherapy: Freezing Away Pigmentation

Cryotherapy is a procedure where liquid nitrogen is applied to dark patches to freeze them. This process injures the skin cells, and as the skin heals, it often appears lighter.

Prescription Skin-Lightening Creams: Gradual Fading

Prescription-strength lightening creams work by bleaching the skin. These products typically contain hydroquinone as the active ingredient, which prevents the skin from producing melanin. With a typical strength of 3-4%, these creams can take several months to noticeably decrease the appearance of dark spots.

Natural Remedies: Home-Based Solutions for Dark Spots

For those seeking more affordable or natural alternatives, several home remedies may help fade dark spots over time. While these methods may not be as rapid or dramatic as professional treatments, they can be effective when used consistently.

Aloe Vera: Nature’s Skin Soother

Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound. Applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to dark spots may help lighten them over time. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Vitamin C: Brightening and Antioxidant Power

Vitamin C is known for its skin-brightening properties. Using a topical vitamin C serum or cream can help fade dark spots and protect against further sun damage.

Licorice Extract: A Traditional Skin Lightener

Licorice extract contains glabridin, which has been shown to have skin-lightening effects. Look for skincare products containing licorice extract or make a paste using licorice powder and water.

Green Tea: Antioxidant-Rich Spot Treatment

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which can help reduce melanin production. Apply cooled green tea to the affected areas using a cotton ball, or look for skincare products containing green tea extract.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Dark Spots at Bay

While treating existing dark spots is important, preventing new ones from forming is equally crucial. Here are some strategies to help keep your skin even-toned and healthy:

Sun Protection: Your First Line of Defense

Sunscreen is paramount in preventing dark spots. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially when spending time outdoors.

Gentle Skincare Routine: Avoiding Irritation

Use gentle, non-irritating skincare products to avoid inflammation that can lead to hyperpigmentation. Be particularly careful if you have sensitive skin or conditions like acne or eczema.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Nourishing Your Skin from Within

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help protect your skin from damage. Stay hydrated and consider supplements like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which may support skin health.

When to Consult a Dermatologist: Recognizing Serious Skin Changes

While most dark spots are harmless, it’s important to know when to seek professional advice. Consider consulting a dermatologist if:

• A dark spot changes in size, shape, or color
• You notice any unusual growths or moles
• Dark spots are accompanied by itching, redness, or bleeding
• You have a history of skin cancer or are at high risk

A dermatologist can perform a thorough examination to rule out any serious conditions and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.

Embracing Your Skin: The Psychological Impact of Dark Spots

While many people seek to remove dark spots for cosmetic reasons, it’s essential to maintain a healthy perspective on skin appearance. Dark spots are a natural part of aging and sun exposure for many individuals. Embracing your skin’s unique characteristics can be empowering and reduce stress associated with perceived imperfections.

Building Self-Confidence

Focus on overall skin health rather than perfection. Develop a skincare routine that makes you feel good and confident, regardless of whether it completely eliminates dark spots.

Challenging Beauty Standards

Remember that beauty comes in all forms, including various skin tones and textures. Celebrate diversity in appearance and challenge unrealistic beauty standards that may contribute to negative self-image.

Seeking Support

If dark spots significantly impact your self-esteem, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop strategies to improve body image and self-acceptance.

Understanding the causes, treatments, and prevention strategies for dark spots can empower you to make informed decisions about your skin health. Whether you choose to pursue treatment or embrace your skin as it is, remember that healthy skin is beautiful skin, regardless of its tone or texture.

Dark spots on the skin: Causes, treatments, and remedies

Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur due to an overproduction of melanin. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color.

Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Depending on the cause, people may call some types of dark spots on the skin age spots or sunspots.

In this article, we look at what causes dark spots on the skin and how people can remove them using dermatological treatments and home remedies.

Share on PinterestDark spots are common on the face, shoulders, and back of the hands.

Dark spots on the skin can range from light brown to dark brown. The color of dark spots may depend on the tone of a person’s skin. The spots are the same texture as the skin and are not painful.

Dark spots also vary in size and can develop on any part of the body but are most common in areas often exposed to the sun.

Dark spots are common in the following areas:

• back of the hands
• face
• back
• shoulders

In people with darker skin, a spot that is a few shades darker than the skin usually fades away within 6 to 12 months. Deeper coloration can take years to fade. Deep color changes often appear blue or gray, though a spot may also be a much darker brown than a person’s natural skin color.

There are several different causes of dark spots, as we describe here:

Sun damage

Also called sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, people can develop dark spots on their skin after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds.

Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.

Hormonal changes

Melasma is a skin condition that leads to small patches of skin discoloration. The condition is more common in women, especially during pregnancy.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hormones may trigger melasma.

Medication side effects

Certain medications can increase skin pigmentation and lead to dark spots. The most common culprits are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs.

Inflammation

Dark spots can develop after a bout of inflammation on the skin. Inflammation may occur for various reasons that include eczema, psoriasis, injury to the skin, and acne.

Wound healing

Dark spots may remain after an insect bite, burn, or cut heals. These may fade with time.

Irritation

Cosmetic skin or hair products can irritate the skin, causing dark patches to form.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker.

Conditions associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots.

Share on PinterestLaser treatment can remove dark spots on the skin.

Dark spots on the skin do not require treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons.

A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them. Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster.

The best treatment option may depend on the cause, the size of the dark spot, and the area of the body.

A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin:

Laser treatment

Different types of lasers are available. The most common laser to treat dark spots on the skin uses an intense pulse light laser. The light targets melanin and breaks up the dark spots.

Microdermabrasion

During microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a special device that has an abrasive surface to remove the outer layer of the skin. This treatment promotes new collagen growth, which may help reduce spots.

Chemical peels

A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface, leading to new skin growth. It may gradually fade dark spots on the skin.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves applying liquid nitrogen to the dark patches to freeze them, which injures the skin cells. The skin often heals lighter afterward.

Prescription skin-lightening cream

Prescription-lightening cream works by bleaching the skin. It typically works gradually and takes several months to decrease the appearance of dark spots.

Hydroquinone, which is the active ingredient in the creams, prevents the skin from producing melanin. Prescription products tend to have a strength of 3–4 percent.

Injectable skin lightening products are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend them. There is not enough evidence to suggest that they work, and there may be associated health risks.

In addition to dermatological procedures and prescription medications, people may find that some home remedies might fade dark spots on the skin, as the following sections discuss.

Over-the-counter creams

Over-the-counter skin creams to lighten skin are not as strong as prescription medications, but they may also work.

Creams and serums contain various ingredients, including retinol or alpha hydroxy acid, which may speed up the exfoliation of the skin and promote new skin growth.

When looking for a skin-lightening cream, always choose one recommended by a dermatologist, as some products can be harmful.

Natural remedies

Products with certain natural ingredients may help treat dark spots on the skin.

Researchers published a systematic review of clinical studies that used natural products to treat dark spots on the skin. They looked at several ingredients including niacinamide (a form of vitamin B-3), soy, licorice extracts, and mulberry.

Although studies were limited, the researchers said that these natural treatments showed promise in lightening hyperpigmentation.

Results of a small-scale 2017 study suggest that applying an aloe vera gel to the skin could help reduce melasma during pregnancy after 5 weeks.

Cosmetics

Although cosmetics do not lighten dark spots, they might cover them up. People can consider using a cream-based concealer to decrease the appearance of spots.

People may wish to keep in mind that many of the home remedies that webpages recommend may have side effects or no evidence of effectiveness. Examples include lemon and apple cider vinegar. No studies back the claims that these treatments work.

In some cases, unproven treatments may aggravate the skin. For example, the American Society for Dermatological Surgery do not recommend lemon juice or abrasive scrubs, as these methods could make dark spots worse.

Some skin lightening products can do more harm than good. Many contain ingredients that can harm the skin or overall health, such as mercury or steroids. Applying these can cause pimples, rashes, and fragile skin over time.

Share on PinterestA doctor or dermatologist may use a Wood’s lamp skin exam to diagnose dark spots on the skin.

A doctor or dermatologist can often work out the cause of dark spots on the skin by examining them and taking a medical history.

During a physical exam, the healthcare professional might perform a Wood’s lamp skin exam, where they view the spots through a special device that emits black light.

In some instances, specific characteristics of a spot might require more tests to make sure skin cancer is not causing the spot.

Anyone can develop dark spots on the skin. Certain risk factors appear to increase a person’s chances including:

• sun exposure
• pregnancy
• skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis
• trauma or injury to the skin
• medications that increase pigmentation
• liver disease
• diabetes

It may not always be possible to prevent dark spots on the skin from developing. For example, hormonal changes during pregnancy that may lead to melasma are not preventable.

There are, however, a few things people can do to decrease the chances of dark spots and prevent them from getting darker:

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even when the sun is not bright.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the skin further.
• Treat skin conditions, such as acne, which may lead to inflammation.
• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it tends to be strongest.

In most cases, dark spots on the skin are not harmful. But in some instances, it might be hard to tell the difference between a dark spot and other skin changes, such as melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer.

People who are unsure what a dark spot is or have not been able to get rid of it can see a doctor to find out more.

It is important to talk to a doctor if any dark spot on the skin:

• appears suddenly
• itches
• tingles
• bleeds
• changes color or size

Learn about how to identify melanoma and other forms of skin cancer here.

Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, can have a range of causes. They are usually harmless and do not need treatment. If a person wants to get rid of dark spots, they can try a range of treatments, including working with a dermatologist for cosmetic procedures or using over-the-counter products.

The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the dark spots and their extent. Dark spots on the skin may not completely fade. It may take a while to see a difference, but treatment often lightens the spots.

Read the article in Spanish.

Pictures, causes, and when to see a doctor

Changes in skin pigmentation can happen for many reasons, including birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, rashes, and infections. An increase in melanin, for example, can cause brown or dark patches to appear.

Skin contains melanin, which is the pigment that gives the skin its color. Having more melanin makes the skin darker, while less of it results in lighter skin. Melanin is also responsible for hair and eye color.

Patches of discolored skin are noticeable because they differ from a person’s normal skin tone. They may be lighter, darker, or a different color, such as red, gray, or blue.

It is important that people with this symptom understand the cause of their discolored skin patches in case treatment is necessary.

This article explores the various causes of discolored skin patches and explains which of them require treatment.

Discolored skin patches have many different causes, including:

• birthmarks
• skin pigmentation disorders
• skin rashes
• skin infections
• skin cancers
• medical conditions

We look at each one of these in more detail below.

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are patches of discoloration that people have when they are born. Some types of birthmark fade over time, while others may be permanent.

Birthmarks are either vascular or pigmented. Vascular birthmarks are red, and they occur due to abnormal blood vessels in the skin.

Types of vascular birthmark include:

• Strawberry nevus. Also called a hemangioma, this is a common type of vascular birthmark. It appears as a red patch and is most common on the face, scalp, chest, and back. A strawberry nevus does not usually require treatment.
• Salmon patch. Also called a nevus simplex, this flat red or pink patch of skin typically occurs on the neck or forehead. Up to 40 percent of all babies are born with this type of birthmark.
• Port wine stain. This is a noticeable flat red or purple birthmark. Some port wine stains may require treatment, which might include laser treatment or cosmetic camouflage.

Pigmented birthmarks are generally white, brown, blue, or gray. They result from a problem with the melanin in the skin.

Types of pigmented birthmark include:

• Mongolian blue spots. These are blue or gray patches that may be present on the back and buttocks at birth. Babies with darker skin are more likely to have these birthmarks. Mongolian blue spots often fade as the child grows.
• Moles. These are black or brown spots that are usually harmless. However, it is best to see a doctor if a mole changes shape, size, or texture.
• Café-au-lait spot. These appear as light brown skin patches on light skin or black coffee-colored patches on dark skin. Café-au-lait spots are often oval-shaped and may fade as the child grows.

Skin pigmentation disorders

If a person has lighter or darker skin patches, this may signify a skin pigmentation disorder. Type of skin pigmentation disorder include:

Melasma. This is a common skin condition that usually affects facial skin and causes brown patches. It affects women more often than men. Triggers of melasma can include sun exposure and hormonal changes.

Vitiligo. This disease can affect any part of the body. It causes the cells that produce melanin, known as melanocytes, to stop working correctly, which results in patches of lighter skin. Sometimes, it will also change a person’s hair color. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown, but a problem with the immune system may be responsible.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. This is a temporary increase or decrease in skin pigment following skin trauma, such as a blister or burn.

Albinism. People with albinism do not produce enough melanin. This leads to little or no pigment in the skin, hair, or eyes. Albinism is a genetic disorder, meaning that a person inherits a faulty gene from one or both of their parents.

Skin rashes

Some types of skin rash can also cause patches of discolored skin. These include:

• Rosacea. This is a chronic skin condition that can cause raised patches of red skin and pus-filled lesions. It typically affects the forehead, cheeks, and nose.
• Psoriasis. This is a skin condition that causes silvery-red, crusty, flaky patches of skin, which can appear anywhere on the body. Doctors believe that psoriasis may result from a problem with the immune system.
• Contact dermatitis. This rash happens when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen.
• Eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, this condition can cause patches of red skin that is also itchy, dry, and cracked. These patches may sometimes ooze and then form a crust. The cause of eczema is unclear, but it can run in families and is more common in people who have asthma, hay fever, and other allergies.

Skin infections

Certain skin infections may also cause discoloration, such as:

• Tinea versicolor. This is a fungal skin infection that can cause patches of skin to become lighter or darker. These patches usually develop slowly and can sometimes merge to form larger patches. Tinea versicolor tends to affect the trunk, neck, and upper arms.
• Ringworm. Also known as tinea, this is a fungal skin infection that causes red or silver ring-shaped patches of skin. These patches may be scaly, dry, or itchy. Ringworm can appear on most parts of the body, including the scalp, groin, feet, hands, and nails.
• Candidiasis of the skin. This is a fungal skin infection that causes red, itchy skin patches. It often occurs in areas where the skin folds, such as the armpits and groin.

Skin cancers

In rare cases, skin cancer can cause patches of discoloration. Types of skin cancer include:

• Actinic keratosis. These are dry, scaly, pre-cancerous skin patches. Without treatment, they may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
• Basal cell carcinoma. These are flesh-colored, pearl-like, pink skin patches or bumps. Basal cell carcinomas are the most common form of skin cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. These are red bumps, sores, or scaly patches, which may heal and then re-open. Squamous cell carcinomas are the second most common type of skin cancer.
• Melanoma. This cancer may develop in existing moles or appear as new dark spots. Melanomas are the most severe form of skin cancer, and early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, including the following, may cause discolored patches of skin:

• Cyanosis. Insufficient oxygen in the blood can cause the skin and lips to appear blue or purple. Cyanosis that occurs suddenly could be a sign of a problem with the heart, lungs, or airways. This is a medical emergency, and a person should seek immediate medical attention.
• Lupus. This is a complex autoimmune condition that may cause a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks.

Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes can also cause changes in the skin, such as:

• yellow, reddish, or brown patches of skin
• dark, velvety patches of skin
• thick, hard patches of skin
• blisters
• shin spots

Other causes

If discolored skin patches appear suddenly and then disappear, there may be a simple explanation.

Causes of temporary patches or blotches of red skin include:

• blushing
• exercising
• sunburn

Causes of temporary patches of pale skin include:

• dehydration
• nausea
• low blood sugar
• cold weather conditions

If a new patch of discolored skin appears and does not go away, it is best to see a doctor. It is also important to seek medical attention if a mole changes size, shape, or texture.

To diagnose discolored patches of skin, a doctor may ask the individual about:

• pre-existing medical conditions
• when and how quickly the discolored patch of skin appeared
• whether the discolored patch of skin has changed since it first appeared
• any related symptoms

The doctor may examine the affected skin under a lamp. They may also need to carry out further tests, such as blood tests and a skin biopsy. The skin biopsy will involve the doctor taking a small sample of skin and examining it under a microscope.

The treatment for discolored skin depends on the cause.

If a person has an underlying health condition, the doctor will recommend the best course of treatment for that condition. Treating the underlying condition often resolves any associated skin problems.

If the underlying cause is skin cancer, it is vital that the person has treatment as soon as possible.

Birthmarks and skin pigmentation disorders do not usually require treatment. However, some people may wish to have treatment for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include laser treatment, chemical peels, and topical creams.

Lemon juice or castor oil may also help to reduce the appearance of discolored skin patches. Alternatively, people can use makeup to camouflage the affected skin.

It is not possible to prevent all causes of discolored patches of skin.

However, sun protection may reduce the risk of melasma, sunburn, and skin cancer. People can protect themselves from the sun by:

• using sunscreen
• staying out of the midday sun
• covering up with loose clothing

There are many possible causes of discolored skin patches. Some causes, such as birthmarks, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer and cyanosis, are likely to require immediate treatment.

It is essential to see a doctor if any new discolored patches of skin appear or if existing moles change in any way. This helps to make early diagnosis and treatment possible, which often leads to a better outlook.

The main causes of age spots

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The main causes of age spots

One of the most common skin problems faced at any age is age spots. Although they appear most often in adulthood, young people are also prone to the appearance of such a problem. What causes these unwanted spots?

The color of the skin of any person is determined by the amount of melanin released. When in some areas of the skin it begins to be produced more intensively than in others, age spots appear on the body. They can be of various and even strange shades: from light brown or reddish to grayish and even black.

Most often, people with fair skin suffer from incorrect pigmentation, but those who are darker are not immune from this.

There are many of them. Let’s consider the main ones.

• Hormonal changes. A common cause of increased pigmentation. Very often this happens during pregnancy, when hormonal changes begin and the production of excess estrogen and progesterone begins. It usually goes away after giving birth. However, they will completely disappear only after a few years. Hormonal drugs and contraceptives can lead to the appearance of age spots. During menopause, increased pigmentation can also be observed. Diseases of the female reproductive system (polycystic ovaries, their dysfunction, etc.), which are accompanied by hormonal imbalance, can also cause skin changes.

• Photoaging . The appearance of age spots is often one of the signs of aging, along with wrinkles, roughness and dryness of the skin. With age, the body copes with its functions worse. Overproduction of melanin begins. The nose, ears and cheeks, hands and other open places suffer.

• Stress. Increased skin pigmentation is observed in nervous people. They suffer more from it. Stress and adverse external conditions lead to hyperpigmentation.

• Diseases. Age spots may indicate diseases of the liver and biliary tract, as these organs are responsible for pigment metabolism. They can also occur due to beriberi, thyroid problems and due to inflammation of the urinary organs.

• Treatment with certain drugs can also interfere with proper melanin production.

• Poor-quality or incorrectly selected cosmetics and perfumes , as well as incompetent cosmetic procedures often provoke increased pigmentation. This also applies to highly irritating creams and ointments.

• Squeezing out pimples and acne. After cauterization with special agents, spots often appear on inflamed areas.

• Sunbeams. Prolonged exposure to sunlight on the skin negatively affects its condition, as it increases the production of melanin. This is the main reason for the appearance of age spots in people of all ages. You need to sunbathe in moderation, but it is better to refrain from frequent trips to the solarium and to the beach.

Recognizing age spots on your own is quite simple, since they are located in groups and are easily recognizable, but a specialist consultation will not be superfluous. The clinic can determine for sure whether spots on the skin are a sign of a serious illness. They can be confused with serious diseases such as lentigo (skin cancer).

Laser removal of tumors
Laser removal of age spots

melasma, chloasma, lentigo, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the appearance of darker spots or stripes on the skin. Melanosis of the skin, as increased pigmentation is also called, develops imperceptibly and, as a rule, does not cause physical discomfort, pain, or itching. Emerging skin defects are located on different parts of the body, the face is uneven. They can be of different shapes and different shades.

In most cases, the pathology is benign and does not pose a direct threat to health. And the main problem of the disease is aesthetic unattractiveness. Excessive pigmentation on the face and body is often perceived as a cosmetic defect. Spots attract the attention of others, become the cause of ridicule. A person experiences psychological discomfort, fear of communication. Social activity decreases, isolation develops. However, this is not the only reason to start pathology treatment.

The disease melanosis under adverse factors can lead to the development of malignant melanoma – an aggressive skin cancer. And the sudden appearance of excessive skin pigmentation can be a direct indicator of a serious disease of the internal organs or body systems.

What is hyperpigmentation?

The cause of hyperpigmentation is a malfunction of the cells that produce the pigment melanin. When there is too much of it in certain areas of the skin, dark stripes and spots appear on the body, face. In this case, the color of abnormal manifestations can vary from light beige to black. This is the nature of melanosis. It remains to understand the reasons that cause such an anomaly.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin: causes

As already noted, the cause of the disease lies in the accumulation of melanin in certain areas of the skin.

• Most often, pigment production is the body’s response to excessive solar radiation. Melanocyte cells produce pigment to protect the skin from destruction. Melanin is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes solar radiation. With excessive sun exposure, melanocytes work in an enhanced mode, produce more pigment than usual. This is how melanin hyperpigmentation is formed.
• Hormonal failure can provoke the production of an increased amount of melanin. Hormonal fluctuations often cause the development of such types of hyperpigmentation as melasma and age-related hyperpigmentation. So female hormones provoke the release of melanin during pregnancy. In women, pigmented circles appear around the eyes. Many dermatologists observe the appearance of age spots on the face and body of older women during the onset of menopause. Pathology is called senile hyperpigmentation.
• The appearance of spots on the skin can be a symptom of a number of diseases. For example, pigmentation is caused by autoimmune diseases. Provoke the development of pathology failures in the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, beriberi.
• Another reason for the increased production of melanin is the use of a number of drugs, the side effect of which is an increase in photosensitivity.
• Often, moles and spots appear on the skin at the site of acne. In this case, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin develops. A prime example of this is post-acne (darkening of the skin after acne). In place of acne, not only scarring of the skin occurs, but hyperpigmentation develops. In children, dark spots may also appear at the site of abrasions on the legs.
• The hereditary factor also takes place in the list of causes for the development of hyperpigmentation. For example, freckles in children. The child at the gene level receives a predisposition to excessive production and uneven accumulation of melanin on the cheeks, nose, under the eyes, on the back, on the arms.
• It should be mentioned that stress can also cause metabolic disorders. This can lead to excess melanin production.

No matter what the reason for the appearance of age spots and streaks on the skin. To exclude serious diseases, including oncology, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.

We invite everyone to be examined at the specialized medical center for diagnosing moles “Lazersvit”. The use of modern diagnostic methods makes it possible to identify even the initial mutations of the skin and prevent oncology.

Hyperpigmentation: types

Hyperpigmentation is classified according to various criteria. The disease is hereditary and acquired. Hereditary pathology is what a person is born with, even if the visual manifestation of excessive skin pigmentation did not appear immediately.

For example , the same freckles are hereditary hyperpigmentation. They are clearly manifested by the age of three years of a baby’s life. In spring and summer, the spots appear more strongly, but in winter they are visible, they do not disappear completely.

Acquired pigmentation is more common. As already mentioned, it can be a protective reaction of the body to aggressive external factors. Or it could be a symptom of a serious internal illness.

Types of secondary hyperpigmentations

1. Chloasma is an increased pigmentation, manifested by patches of irregular shape, but with clear boundaries. The size of manifestations, as a rule, exceeds 1 cm in diameter. Pigmentation has a light brown or brown color, a shade of strong coffee. Chloasma appears on the face and body. The disease is often diagnosed in women during pregnancy. They have hyperpigmentation of this kind appears on the abdomen. Education with low oncological risk. Its treatment is recommended for cosmetic purposes.

2. Lentigo is an increased pigmentation of the skin, which is manifested by the appearance of rounded brown spots with clear boundaries. Neoplasms of this type are benign, but can significantly complicate life due to a decrease in the attractiveness of appearance. Treatment of lentigo on the face is a popular service for which people turn to our center. It doesn’t matter if it is a congenital form of pathology, acquired solar lentigo or hyperpigmentation caused by age-related changes.

3. Melanosis (melasma) develops due to hormonal failures, endocrine disorders. With melanosis, excess pigment is deposited on the skin of the eyelids, in the area of ​​​​the eyebrows, on the skin of the forehead, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe ears. Less often, melanosis of the conjunctiva of the eyeball is diagnosed.

4. Melasma is an increased pigmentation of the skin caused by excessive sun exposure. Most often, dark spots appear on areas exposed to the sun – on the face, neck, hands. Less often, the accumulation of melanin in this type of hyperpigmentation is observed on the legs and back. Get rid of melasma on the face and neck most often in terms of increasing aesthetic appeal.

5. Post-traumatic hyperpigmentation appears on any part of the skin as a result of a protracted inflammatory process, frequent trauma to the same area. In this case, the pigment accumulates in the epidermal and dermal tissues.

There is another parameter by which dermatologists must classify hyperpigmentation. It is about the depth of the pigment. According to this characteristic, it happens:

• Epidermal (simple) hyperpigmentation, for example, superficial chloasma.
• Dermal hyperpigmentation characterized by deep pigmentation, such as dermal melasma.
• A mixed form of excessive skin pigmentation in which melanin is concentrated in both dermal and epidermal tissues.

Diagnosis and a clear classification of hyperpigmentation is extremely important, as it allows you to choose the best method aimed at getting rid of color spots.

How to treat hyperpigmentation?

Removal of age spots today is carried out in several ways:

• Chemical peeling involves the use of aggressive acid solutions that lead to the removal of superficial skin layers. In fact, a chemical burn of the skin is performed, due to which part of it exfoliated, making room for evenly pigmented skin. The procedure is traumatic, dangerous and requires a long rehabilitation period. In addition, this method is only suitable for superficial hyperpigmentation. If melanin has accumulated in deep tissues, chemical peeling will not help.
• Phototherapy is a popular method, the essence of which is the exposure of pigmented skin to light waves without ultraviolet rays. Due to this effect, melanin is destroyed, skin color is evened out.
• Sclerotherapy is a method of treating age spots by introducing medications into the bloodstream that destroy melanin. This method has shown high efficiency in the treatment of wine stains (vascular pathologies that cause red spots on the skin). However, for the treatment of excessive pigmentation, it is not the most effective.
• Laser therapy has the same effect as phototherapy, but more pronounced, productive. The procedure involves “burning out” of pigmented areas of the skin with a high-energy beam. The dermatologist sets the intensity and depth of the laser pulse, so neighboring healthy tissues are not adversely affected. The procedure can be performed both on the surface layer of the skin and on the dermis. The procedure is carried out without blood, painlessly and without negative consequences for the skin. The positive effect is noticeable even after one session. In some cases, several procedures are performed to completely remove a deep pigment spot.

Professionally performed dermatological procedures allow you to completely or partially remove age spots. The optimal method is chosen by the doctor based on the history and individual characteristics of a particular patient.