How to treat dark spots on the skin and their causes

Hyperpigmentation, often known as dark spots on the skin, happens when specific parts of the skin produce more melanin than usual. The eyes, skin, and hair are colored by melanin.
Although some people may decide to have dark spots on their skin removed for aesthetic reasons, they are not dangerous and do not require treatment. People may refer to some types of dark spots on the skin as age spots or sunspots depending on the reason.

In this article, we'll examine what causes black spots on the skin and how people can get rid of them at home and using dermatological therapies.

Symptoms

Skin discolorations can be pale brown or dark brown in color. The tone of a person's skin may affect the hue of dark patches. The patches are not unpleasant and have the same texture as the surrounding skin.

Dark spots can appear on any part of the body and come in a variety of sizes, although they are more common in locations that are frequently exposed to the sun.

These places are prone to dark spots:

hands' backs are facing the shoulders.

A patch that is a few shades darker than the surrounding skin often disappears after 6 to 12 months in people with darker complexion. It may take years for deeper colour to dissipate. Though a spot may be a considerably darker shade of brown than a person's normal skin tone, deep color shifts frequently appear blue or gray.

Causes

Dark spots can have a variety of reasons, which we list here:

sun fading

People can develop dark spots on their skin as a result of exposure to the sun or tanning beds. These spots are also known as liver spots, solar lentigines, or sunspots.

Sun spots are most likely to appear on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun the most, such as the face, hands, or arms.

hormone adjustments

Small patches of skin discoloration are a symptom of the skin disorder melasma. Women are more likely to have the illness, particularly during pregnancy.

Hormones may cause melasma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

side effects of medication

Dark spots on the skin might result from certain drugs' increased skin pigmentation. Tetracyclines, psychiatric medicines, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the main offenders.

Inflammation

Following an episode of skin inflammation, dark patches may form. Eczema, psoriasis, skin injuries, acne, and other conditions can all cause inflammation.

wound recovery

After an insect bite, burn, or wound has healed, dark spots could still be present. They might disappear with time.

Irritation

Cosmetic skin care or hair products can irritate the skin and lead to the development of dark patches.

Diabetes Diabetes can make certain skin pigmentations darker.

Diabetes-related conditions include shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people could mistake for age spots, and acanthosis nigricans, which results in darker, velvety skin.

How to get rid of blemishes

Although dark skin spots don't need to be treated, some people might choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons.

In rare circumstances, a dermatologist may recommend removing dark spots rather than using lotions or other treatments to brighten them. Despite working more quickly, procedures are more expensive and likely to have adverse effects than creams.

The source, size, and location of the black spot on the body may all affect the optimal course of treatment.

For skin dark patches, a dermatologist could advise one of the following remedies:

laser therapy

There are numerous types of lasers. An strong pulse light laser is the most popular type of laser used to treat black spots on the skin. The light disperses the black patches by illuminating the melanin.

Microdermabrasion

A dermatologist removes the top layer of skin using a specific tool with an abrasive surface during microdermabrasion. This procedure encourages the production of new collagen, which might lessen spots.

Chemical peels

Applying a solution to the skin results in an exfoliation of the surface, which stimulates the creation of new skin. On the skin, it might progressively lighten dark patches.

Cryotherapy

The black spots are frozen using liquid nitrogen during the cryotherapy technique, which damages the skin cells. After healing, the skin generally becomes lighter.

 skin-lightening lotion on prescription

Bleaching the skin is how prescription lightening cream functions. The appearance of dark spots is normally reduced over the course of many months.

The creams' active component, hydroquinone, stops the skin from developing melanin. Products on prescription often range in strength from 3 to 4 percent.

Although there are injectable skin-lightening solutions on the market, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not advise using them. There may be related health hazards, and there is insufficient data to support their effectiveness.

A home remedy

People may discover that various home treatments, as discussed in the following sections, may help remove black spots on the skin in addition to dermatological procedures and prescription medications.

nonprescription creams

Even while over-the-counter skin lightening treatments lack the potency of prescription drugs, they may still be effective.

Retinol and alpha hydroxy acids are two chemicals found in creams and serums that may hasten skin exfoliation and encourage the creation of new skin.

Always choose a skin-lightening cream that has been prescribed by a specialist while searching for one because some products can be dangerous.

Natural solutions

Dark spots on the skin may be treated using products that include specific natural substances.

A systematic review was published by researchers.

Reliable Source of clinical trials that treated skin dark spots using natural remedies. They examined a number of substances, including mulberry, soy, licorice extracts, and niacinamide (a kind of vitamin B-3).

Despite the small number of studies, the researchers concluded that these natural remedies have promise for reducing hyperpigmentation.

A 2017 small-scale study found that after five weeks of pregnancy, using aloe vera gel to the skin may help lessen melasma.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics may conceal dark patches even when they don't make them lighter. To make spots appear less noticeable, people may want to think about applying a cream-based concealer.

Avoid using home treatments

People may want to be aware that many of the recommended home treatments on websites may have negative effects or lack proof of effectiveness. Lemon and apple cider vinegar are two examples. The claims that these treatments work are unsupported by studies.

Unproven therapies might occasionally make the skin worse. The American Society for Dermatological Surgery, for instance, advises against using lemon juice or abrasive scrubs since they could exacerbate dark spots.

Some products for skin whitening may cause more harm than good. Many contain substances like mercury or steroids that might be bad for the skin or your overall health. Over time, using them can result in rashes, acne, and brittle skin.

Diagnosis

By looking at the spots and taking a medical history, a doctor or dermatologist can frequently determine the reason of black spots on the skin.

The medical practitioner may conduct a Wood's lamp skin exam during a physical examination, which involves looking at the spots with a specialized black light source.

In rare cases, a spot's specific characteristics may call for additional testing to rule out skin cancer as the cause.

risk elements

On the skin, dark patches can appear on anyone. A person's chances seem to be increased by a few risk factors, such as:

pregnancy after sun exposure

skin disorders including eczema, psoriasis, or acne skin trauma or injury drugs that lighten the skin

diabetes and liver disease

Prevention

Use sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 30 even when the sun is not particularly intense.

Put on your sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim to further protect your skin.

Treat skin conditions including acne that may result in inflammation.

Stay out of the sun during its peak between 10 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

when to seek medical attention

Usually, dark spots on the skin are not dangerous. The difference between a black spot and other skin abnormalities, such as melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can occasionally be difficult to make out.

Whenever to visit a doctor

Dark spots on the skin are typically not hazardous. However, there are times when it may be challenging to distinguish between a black spot and other skin abnormalities, such as melanoma, a kind of skin cancer.

People can visit a doctor to learn more if they are unaware of what a black spot is or have not been able to remove it.

If there is any dark area on the skin, it is vital to consult a doctor.

occurs unexpectedly

itches

tingles

bleeds

changes in size or color

Outlook

There are numerous reasons for hyperpigmentation, or dark spots on the skin. They normally pose little threat and don't require medical attention. A person can try a variety of therapies, such as working with a dermatologist for cosmetic procedures or utilizing over-the-counter remedies, to get rid of dark spots.

Depending on the origin and severity of the dark spots, the efficacy of treatment may vary. Skin discolorations could not totally disappear. Although it could take some time, therapy frequently makes the patches lighter.