Dark skin patches result from clumps of excess melanin, the skin's brown pigment, explains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. The condition is known as hyperpigmentation, and may result from a variety of causes. True...
Dark patches and spots on the skin are usually the result of aging and overexposure to the sun. These brown spots are generally found on the face and arms, since they are frequently exposed to the sun. Your body overproduces the pigment melanin...
Dark patches on the surface of the skin are fairly common among adults who have spent large amounts of time in the sun. Though dark skin patches should be checked by a doctor or dermatologist for potential medical problems, most are only cosmetic...
A dark, thick, velvety patch of skin in the folds on the back of the neck is called acanthosis nigricans. It is most common in darker-skinned individuals, and often asymptomatic. While it is usually associated with a variety of medical...
Dry skin can be caused by factors as diverse as extreme hot or cold weather and autoimmune system disorders. Frequently, dry skin responds to lifestyle changes and plenty of moisture, but in those with brown skin it can leave areas of...
According to MayoClinic.com, itchy skin can be caused by hundreds of factors. You can narrow down possible causes of skin irritation by the accompanying symptoms or the look of the skin. Talk with your doctor before attempting any treatment or...
The most common treatments for skin discolorations and dark patches on the skin include laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion and sclerotherapy. However, there are some natural home remedies that can help to lighten and get rid of...
Sometimes the skin can develop abnormally dark patches, which is known as hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the result of a buildup of the protein melanin, which is what gives skin its pigmentation. This can occur as a result of skin damage...
The skin on your elbows takes a good beating on a regular. It moves and stretches each time you move your arms. It gets rough and dry as you lean on your elbows. All this wear and tear, mixed with sun damage, different clothing fibers, hormonal...
Dark patches on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, are quite common, and can appear for a number of reasons. Inflammation caused by skin irritation, rashes, or acne blemishes can cause skin discoloration, as can pregnancy or birth control pills....
Over 14 million Americans share a skin condition that appears as blotches of discolored skin, collectively called an uneven skin tone. According to Dermalogica, an informational site created by the International Dermal Institute, the patchy brown...
Dark spots or patches on the skin are not uncommon, but there are numerous potential causes for this irregularity. Some of these causes tend to disproportionately affect the skin on the lower calves, while others may appear anywhere on the body....
Dark and discolored skin can be caused by a number of factors, including scars, ingrown hairs and changes in pigmentation. While dark or discolored spots or patches of skin can be irritating and embarrassing, there are some natural home remedies...
There are a variety of reasons people wish to lighten their skin. Maybe they have age spots from years of sun exposure. Sometimes patches of discoloration develop and they need to be lightened to blend with the rest of their skin. At some point,...
Prediabetes is a condition in which the levels of sugar within a patient's blood are elevated but are below the threshold of diabetes. In the United States, more than 57 million people have prediabetes, according to the American Diabetes...
Dark spots and patches on the skin commonly are caused by minor irritants such as shaving, allergic reaction to skin or hair care products or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, usually acquired with age. However, there are some natural...
Dark spots on the toes and skin are most commonly caused by years of sun exposure, according to MayoClinic.com. Spots can appear in a variety of colors, though they are typically gray, brown or black. While all spots should be checked by a...
The best thing you can do for your skin is to prevent sun damage in the first place. Wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat will help you control the damaging effects of sunlight on your skin. Once damage is done, your options for treatment...
Yes, vitamin E provides several benefits for your skin. This vitamin is fat-soluble, meaning it is stored by your body in your fat cells and is reserved for use as needed. This vitamin is also important for the formation of your red blood cells,...
If your doctor has diagnosed you as having insulin resistance, frequently called metabolic syndrome, it means your body improperly breaks down insulin, an important body enzyme that converts glucose to energy. Physical inactivity, genetic factors...
Retinoids were originally used to treat acne but are now common in the treatment of wrinkles and sun damage repair. Doctors also prescribe them to treat other skin conditions, such as plaque psoriasis. Retinoids are only available by prescription....
The average pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the date of your last normal menstrual period, according to the KidsHealth website. The 40-week pregnancy is broken down into trimesters. Health-care professionals use trimesters to group specific...
Brown spots can develop on the skin for various reasons. Hormonal changes are a common cause of dark skin patches, often occurring during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives. Certain health issues, such as thyroid disorders, can also be...
A healthy pregnancy is achieved by following a healthy regimen of diet, exercise and vitamins before, during and after the baby is born, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Signs of healthy prenatal development can be...
The adrenals, a pair of triangular-shaped glands that sit atop each kidney, secrete the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps regulate the immune system and the body's response to stressful situations. The levels of cortisol...
Melasma is a noticeable skin condition that causes the formation of brown patches on the skin. While the cheeks, bridge of the nose, chin, upper lip and forehead are places where melasma is likely to form, the American Academy of Dermatology...
Liver spots, also known as "age spots" or "solar lentigenes," typically develop on the face, forehead, hands, forearms, and shoulders--generally the most sun-exposed parts of the body. The spots most commonly affect people over 40, although they...
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to have certain symptoms in common. All women with polycystic ovary syndrome will have irregular menstrual cycles. They may miss their periods occasionally or frequently and they may have no...
Vitamin C and health usually come up in conversation when talking about historical prevention of scurvy in the gums of sailors, or possible cold remedies. However, vitamin C is an essential part of skin health and formation. Its status as an...
