Dark spot pigmentation is a common cosmetic condition where patches or spots darker than your normal skin tone appear on your skin. These areas of discoloration, often referred to as age spots, liver spots or hyperpigmentation, are generally harmless and can affect people of every race and skin tone. In most cases, dark spots can be treated, although sometimes with difficulty.
Description
Skin contains a brown pigment called melanin. Dark spot pigmentation occurs when an excess of melanin forms deposits in the skin. These deposits appear on the surface of the skin as dark blemishes or patches.
Causes
Dark spots have a variety of causes, but they are most commonly due to age and long-term sun exposure. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, when your skin is exposed to sun, your body starts to produce extra melanin to protect against damage from the ultraviolet light in the sun's rays. The overproduction of melanin appears in the form of a tan, or as dark spots in areas that are already hyperpigmented. Dark spots may also be due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy or certain medications, such as birth control pills or acne medication, can trigger an overproduction of melanin. In these cases, the darkened areas are more likely to appear as swaths or patches than as spots.
Appearance and Location
Dark spots usually appear as flat, round, brown marks with irregular edges. They can be as small as a pinpoint or as large as a dime. They tend to appear in places on the skin that receive frequent sun exposure, most especially the face, hands, forearms, shoulders and upper back.
Treatment
You can lighten and fade dark spots by using over-the-counter or prescription creams containing hydroquinone, a type of bleach. Your doctor may prescribe a cream containing tretinoin and cortisone. Laser treatments are also highly effective at reducing or fading dark spot pigmentation, as lasers can remove the pigment without disturbing the color of the surrounding skin. However, you should note that no treatment is permanent. If you continue to expose your skin to the sun, the spots are likely to reappear.
Prevention/Solution
Protecting your skin from the sun is the key to preventing dark spots. The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor 30 minutes before going outside, and wearing clothes that cover exposed skin as well as a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face. If you believe your dark spots are due to medication such as birth control pills or acne medicine, talk to your doctor about possible alternative prescriptions.
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