Dark spots on the skin
Dark spots are hyperpigmentation of the skin commonly occurs in middle-aged women.
This alteration occurs when a localized patch of melanin produced accumulates in a specific area on the skin.
It can locate on the forehead, face, or cheek area. Some dark spots could mean serious skin problems.
Symptoms
- The spots that appear due to sunlight exposure, including acne, are the first dark spots.
- They often affect the uniformity and radiance of your skin, indicating that aging has begun.
- Dark spots are a prelude to wrinkles and can affect any woman, regardless of skin type or color.
- Most women find dark spots uncomfortable and start to cover them up with makeup or clothing.
Causes
- Several causes lead to the dark spot, such as genetics, pregnancy, ultraviolet light, and skin diseases, among others.
- Between the ages of 20 and 50, hormonal variations caused by stress, birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause can also cause dark spots.
- Extreme exposure to the light of the sun explains some dark areas in the later stages of life.
- Below the age of 20, acne can cause dark spots due to scars and red marks left by infection.
Diseases
Riehl’s melanosis
- It causes grayish or brown spots on the face as a result of hyperpigmentation.
- Several dermatologists claim that this disease often results after exposure to sunlight in areas of the body previously exposed to certain cosmetic products such as deodorants.
Civatte Poikiloderma
- It mainly affects the area of the neck that has been exposed to the sun’s rays.
- This disease causes reddish or reddish-brown patches on the skin of the neck.
Erythromelanosis
- It is an erythematous pigmentary disease and expresses as a reddish-brown discoloration on the face and neck region.
Linea Fusca
- It consists of a straight line that runs on the woman’s face caused by the melanocyte-stimulating hormone due to hormonal changes.
- It also causes melasma and dark nipples.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH )
- They refer to the points that appear after a skin injury.
- Although most fade over time, some scars can last for a long time before they can completely disappear.
Medicines
- These consist of medications that make your skin more sensitive without necessarily being more exposed to sunlight.
- Using these in treating other underlying medical conditions promotes the appearance of dark spots on any area of your skin. They include:
Estrogens
- These are drugs used in the treatment of hormonal imbalances in women, especially in birth controls or in treating climacteric symptoms.
- They come in the form of pills, injections, implants, or patches.
Tetracyclines
- These are antibiotics used in treating skin infections such as acne or rosacea.
Amiodarone
- These are drugs used to treat various heart problems, including high blood pressure.
Phenytoin
- If you have epilepsy , doctors may recommend phenytoin to help overcome seizures.
- The use of this drug can lead to the formation of dark spots on the skin.
Phenothiazines
- It does not qualify to be a drug but a compound contained in medications used in the treatment of psychosis and found in some antihistamines.
Sulfonamides
- It is a chemical found in certain antimicrobial and diuretic medications.
Other
1. Pregnancy
Pregnant women usually get a vertical, linear dark line on their abdomen.
More than three-quarters report this problem, although in some cases, it disappears shortly after delivery.
However, the line can become permanent in some cases unless treated.
2. Addison’s disease
The presence of dark spots could mean that you have Addison’s disease.
It causes by the adrenal glands’ inability to produce enough hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, that control the functions of tissues and organs.
3.Hemochromatosis
This disease affects the major organs’ functions, including the heart , liver, and pancreas, resulting from excessive iron absorption.
It is a genetic disease that passes from one generation to another.
4. Pituitary tumors
These are abnormal growths that occur in the pituitary glands. They can negatively affect the production of hormones and therefore affect many functions of the body.
Treatment
Sunscreen use
- Always wear sunscreen every day with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
- Products that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide offer better protection. Use a sunscreen 30 minutes before you leave your house.
Extrapone nutgrass
- This plant is gentle on the skin and inhibits the production of melanin.
- The best way is to find the raw material and apply it directly to the skin.
- However, you could order products that contain this plant.
Castor oil
- It has essential solid ingredients to deal with dark spots and spots.
- You should apply castor oil with a clean cotton cloth to the affected areas twice a day.
Green tea extracts
- They contain antioxidants that eliminate free radicals that slow down the aging process.
- They also stimulate the production of healthy collagen.
Vitamin E
- Helps in the elimination of free radicals.
- It also has antioxidant and hydrating capabilities.
- In addition to dark spots, burns and injuries are also quickly removed by vitamin E, as it speeds up the healing process.
Aloe Vera
- Known for its ability to remove minor burn scars, Aloe Vera can be used to reduce the appearance of both dark and brown spots on your skin.
- A fresh gel should be gently applied to the affected area and left for 30 minutes before cleaning.
Laser treatment
- This method uses laser emissions to destroy melanin-producing cells.
- The method, although expensive, can help you get rid of dark spots once you attend several sessions.
- It has no significant side effects, but skin discoloration can occur.
