Hyperpigmentation occurs when cells known as melanocytes produce excessive amounts of melanin pigments. This is a protective reaction of the body to damaging factors. Usually brown spots on the skin are harmless, but in some situations they signal health problems and require a doctor's consultation. Why brown spots appear on the body and how to treat them, read on.

There are pigmented areas on the skin for various reasons. Conventionally, they can be divided into several categories.

Environment, changes in the body and other stressors

One of the main provoking factors is ultraviolet. It activates the production of melanin, especially in people with fair skin. Lovely freckles - the most harmless rashes; Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to more serious consequences. Also, the tendency to hyperpigmentation can be genetically determined.

Old age is another reason why the skin becomes covered with brown spots. Work deteriorates as you age internal organs, metabolism slows down, regeneration processes fail. Frequent stress, vitamin C deficiency, poor functioning of the liver and bile ducts also contribute to the development of pigmentation.

Hormonal disorders caused by the use of oral contraceptives, menopausal changes lead to a change in skin color. Dark spots on the body often accompany pregnancy. Doctors use the term "pregnancy mask" (see photo). From the name it follows that pigmentation is localized on the face - in the area of ​​​​the nasolabial triangle and mouth. Also darkens the skin under the armpits, around the nipples, on the abdomen, less often on the back. A few months after childbirth, pigmentation disappears without leaving marks.

Spots Brown formed after burns, wounds and blisters. Subsequently, the affected areas may become even in color with healthy skin, but sometimes pigmentation remains for life. Darkening of the dermis, as a side effect, occurs after the use of certain drugs. For example, drugs belonging to the group of prostaglandins cause the accumulation of melanins around the eyes.

Mechanical effect on the skin

Some cosmetic surgeries can provoke the appearance of pigment. These include:

• Peels of all kinds, including superficial acid peels (salicylic, almond, glycolic). These procedures renew the skin, removing the upper stratum corneum, and make it hypersensitive to ultraviolet rays. After peeling, the epidermis needs special care; the lack of it can lead to rashes in the form of brown spots. This is called post-traumatic hyperpigmentation. The paradox is that many people come for peeling to lighten their skin.
• Botox injections hyaluronic acid, mesotherapy is a traumatic procedure. After such operations, the skin must be actively protected from the sun.
• A squeezed pimple, mechanical cleaning of the face, depilation - these actions damage the upper layer of the epidermis and, as a result, can lead to increased production of melanins.

The skin suffers from the frequent use of alkaline cosmetics. The habit of washing your face every day with soap can destroy the lipid barrier, reduce its protective functions and cause hyperpigmentation. Brown spots don't just worsen appearance. They are accompanied by dehydration, coarsening and thinning of the skin. Therefore, it is so important to use sparing means.

Diseases

There are many diseases that can provoke a rash of brown spots on the skin. Here short description some of them:

• Pityriasis versicolor(it is also called multi-colored). This is a recurrent fungal infection of the skin. It begins with the appearance of small spots - yellow, pink, dark or light brown. Subsequently, the rashes increase and merge with each other, capturing large areas of the body. Most often, the disease worsens in summer period. The predisposition to the disease is transmitted genetically.

• erythrasma- superficial pseudomycosis of bacterial etiology, which mainly affects the epidermis in places of large folds. Feature diseases - small red-yellow and dark brown spots, followed by fusion and the formation of large lesions. Erythrasma is painless, only some patients have itching.

• - a rare genetic disease that damages the DNA of the epidermis. The skin in the affected areas is flaky. The disease manifests itself in children under 3 years of age, subsequently it can degenerate into skin cancer.

• - a genetic disease, the causative agent of which are mast cells. One of the manifestations of cutaneous mastocytosis is hyperpigmentation. The body is covered with urticaria, a yellow-red or brown papular rash. The skin of a patient with mastocytosis itches, the temperature may rise.

Excessive pigmentation of the skin of the body can be observed in violation of the adrenal glands, gynecological diseases, problems with the thyroid gland, poor functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Rashes can be harmless or pose a serious threat to health. If a brown spot appears on the body, a visit to the doctor will not be superfluous.

Types of age spots

The appearance of the spots varies. The following types of pigmented areas on the face and body are classified:

• Lentigo- flat brown spots, slightly raised above the surface of the skin. They can be round and elongated, formed in the form of a single mark or a large group. They are divided into youthful and senile pigmentation.

• Freckles- small rashes, which are considered by some as a nice feature, by others - as a cosmetic defect. In the cold season, freckles may disappear.

• Chloasma- hyperpigmentation of the skin in the form of large spots of light brown, brown or brown color with a smooth surface. Most often, chloasma is located on the face, but it can also occur on other parts of the body.

• Nevi(birthmarks) - pigmented areas of the skin with smooth edges. The color of moles varies from light to dark brown. If the moles change shape and increase, this may be a sign of its degeneration into a malignant form.

Diagnostics

A dermatologist consults on skin diseases. When examining pigmentation, he will pay attention to such details as:

• size of education;
• the surface of the spot (smooth, rough, etc.);
• color intensity;
• the number of rashes and the place of localization;
• accompanying symptoms (itching, peeling, etc.).

This will help the doctor make a preliminary conclusion about what it could be. For more accurate diagnosis you will need to take blood tests - general and hormones, it is possible to do an ultrasound of the liver and thyroid gland. To study the nature of brown spots on the body, a dermatoscope will be used, scrapings are taken from the surface of the affected areas. If necessary, the dermatologist will appoint the patient a consultation with an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist and other specialists.

Treatment of pigmentation

There are several ways to help get rid of brown spots on the skin. An integrated approach and combination is possible different types treatment among themselves. Freckles, youthful or age-related lentigo, chloasma resulting from pregnancy or medication - these spots can be corrected with medication, with the help of cosmetic procedures, as well as the use of masks at home.

Medicines

Drugs for external use are sold in pharmacies, which have a good brightening effect. The most popular antifungal agents are Clotrimazole, zinc and sulfur ointments. Brown spots are noticeably whitened by antibacterial compounds: synthomycin ointment based on chloramphenicol, as well as salicylic ointment. Pharmacists may suggest salicylic-zinc paste. It provides a good exfoliating effect, reduces the production of melanocytes and brightens dark areas of the skin.

If hyperpigmentation appears as the main symptom or consequence of a serious illness, this requires the attention of a doctor. After a proper examination, he will explain how to treat the pathology. If the spots appeared on the background of endocrine diseases, you will need to take hormonal drugs. If the digestive tract is upset, medications for the treatment of gastritis or peptic ulcer, as well as probiotics, may be prescribed.

Cosmetic procedures

Bleaching of pigments is carried out in several ways. Cosmetologists can offer:

• laser resurfacing. The procedure is painful but highly effective. It is performed under anesthesia and is usually used on the face.
• Chemical peel- a radical measure in which brown spots are removed using a special acid composition. The result will appear after 3-10 sessions.
• Phototherapy, which gives good effect already after the first procedure. The skin is treated with pulsed light waves. Such radiation is safe for humans. It destroys melanin without damaging the epithelium.
• Mesotherapy- a method in which a medicinal cocktail is administered subcutaneously to the patient. The composition is selected individually. In addition to removing brown spots, mesotherapy also solves other problems, for example, rejuvenates the face. Experts consider this procedure less traumatic and more effective than laser resurfacing.

Details of each procedure, as well as possible side effects, can be found at a consultation with a beautician.

Folk remedies

At home, you can use whitening masks prepared by yourself. The following recipes are popular:

1. Half a lemon is rubbed on a fine grater, mixed with sour cream in a ratio of 1: 1, applied in a thick layer on brown spots and left to act for 30 minutes. Wash off the mixture with warm water. This mask is done 2 times a day until the desired result is achieved.
2. Gauze pads are moistened with hydrogen peroxide and applied to pigmented areas. As it dries, the gauze is moistened again. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes, and it is performed once a day, no longer than two weeks. The course can be repeated after a week break.
3. Chop fresh parsley and pour 5 tbsp. l. raw materials 100 g of vodka. Parsley insist in the refrigerator for 7 days, then add 100 g cold water and shake the mixture. This tincture is wiped dark spots 5-6 times a day. The course of treatment is at least 1 month.
4. For mild spots and sensitive skin, gentle products are used. You can moisten a gauze pad in yogurt and apply it to the affected area of ​​the skin for 15 minutes. The procedure is repeated 1-2 times a day. The minimum course is 2 weeks.
5. Grate fresh cucumber and leave in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Then the gruel is applied to brown spots, left for 15 minutes, then washed off with warm water. This procedure is best done before bedtime.

In addition, cosmetics are used to whiten pigmented areas at home - special creams, lotions, serums. Preference should be given to expensive professional cosmetics. Cheap drugs do not contain natural substances and can harm the skin.

Preventive measures

The following tips will help you avoid the development of pigmentation:

• The diet should contain foods high in vitamin C;
• Sun exposure should be limited from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
• SPF creams should be used for sun protection;
• It is necessary to use with caution medications that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

These simple rules significantly reduce the risk of brown spots.

Appearance dark spots on the face or body always upsets us. This seemingly only aesthetic problem makes you feel embarrassed in front of others and look for various cosmetic methods to eliminate the hated ones. However, dark spots on the skin are not only an external defect. Their appearance in many cases signals a malfunction of various systems or organs and requires a comprehensive examination and observation by a specialist.

In this article, we will introduce you to the main types of dark spots on the skin and their causes. This knowledge will guide you in further actions, and you will be able to prevent the progression of many diseases.

Types of dark spots

This disease is not common. It can be observed in both men and women, it is more often detected in adulthood (after 50 years). According to some experts, this pigmentation disorder is more common in women.

Various factors can contribute to the development of precancerous melanosis of Dubrey:

• age;
• race (among representatives of the Negroid race, pathology is extremely rare);
• photosensitivity of the skin;
• frequent trauma to the skin;
• sunburn abuse;
• overdrying of the skin.

The degeneration of Dubrey's melanosis into a cancerous tumor can occur after 2-30 years (average 10-15 years). According to some statistics, malignant melanoma in 20-30% of cases develops against the background of such a pigmentation disorder. The transformation of Dubrey's melanosis (in 40-75% of cases) into cancer is especially likely if left untreated.

Black acanthosis

This rare skin disease can be benign or malignant. The clinical picture is accompanied by the appearance of black or dark brown spots with hyperkeratosis and papillomatosis. They are more often located in large natural folds (under the mammary glands, armpits, intergluteal region, under the knees, between the back of the head and neck, etc.) or on the elbows. The severity of symptoms depends on the form of the disease - with a malignant course of change skin ov are more pronounced and progress faster.

The reasons for the development of black acanthosis can be various factors:

• malignant tumors;
• endocrine diseases;
• taking hormonal drugs;
• long-term use of some medicines.

In young people, this disease often develops due to a genetic predisposition or endocrine diseases, and in older people it often becomes a sign of the formation of a malignant neoplasm. Sometimes the symptoms of black acanthosis become harbingers of cancer.

Urticaria pigmentosa (mastocytosis)

It is one of the forms of mastocytosis and in 75% of cases is observed in children. On the body of a sick child, itchy red-pink spots appear, which transform into blisters filled with a clear liquid (sometimes with blood impurities). After opening such skin changes, brown-brown pigmentation remains on the skin (in some cases, blisters do not leave marks). In 70% of cases, during or after puberty, areas of hyperpigmentation resolve themselves.

In adults, urticaria pigmentosa does not proceed as favorably as in children, and is often complicated by systemic mastocytosis, which leads to disability and death of the patient.

The reasons for the development of urticaria pigmentosa and mastocytosis are still not well understood. Scientists suggest that these pathologies can provoke such factors:

• genetic predisposition;
• inflammatory processes caused by toxic lesions or infections;
• immune reactions;
• stress;
• climate change;
• insolation, etc.

Nevus spilus (coffee stain)

This type of hyperpigmentation is accompanied by the appearance of one or more spots with a uniform color and clear contours. They can be localized on any part of the skin, present from birth or appear spontaneously. Coffee stains vary in size and increase as they grow. Their shade can range from light to dark brown. On the surface of the spots, darker or black dots are sometimes observed and there is never hair.

The reasons for the appearance of Nevus spilus are still not well understood. There are suggestions that their formation is provoked by hereditary predisposition.

Lentigo

These dark smooth spots on the skin are benign hyperpigmentations of yellowish-brown or dark brown color. Their sizes can reach 1-2 cm in diameter. Spots can be localized on the face, neck, or surfaces of the arms and legs. They are characterized by a chronic course, slow progression and an extremely rare degeneration into malignant melanoma (the risk of malignancy increases with frequent injury to the skin in the area of ​​the spot).

Lentigo can be observed among patients of any age groups. Among the reasons for their occurrence, the following factors are distinguished:

• gene mutations;
• genetic predisposition (heredity, phonotype);
• hormonal imbalance (puberty, pregnancy, menopause, hormonal disorders, intake);
• prolonged insolation;
• hypersensitivity to ultraviolet rays;
• sunburn in childhood;
• prolonged exposure to artificial learning sources;
• age;
• immune disorders;
• immunosuppression after transplantation of donor organs;
• carriage.

Often lentigo is provoked by a combination of several of the above factors.

LEOPARD syndrome

This pathology is characterized by the appearance at a young age of hundreds of lentigo on the surface of the skin of the trunk, face and extremities. It is always accompanied by disorders in other organs and systems: valvular stenosis of the pulmonary artery, impaired conduction of the heart, growth retardation, mild mental retardation, and other pathologies of the genital organs, late onset of menstruation, sensorineural deafness, and widely spaced eyes.

LEOPARD syndrome is always caused by gene mutations:

• PTPN11;

Chloasma

These multiple or single dark spots appear in women and are irregularly shaped areas of yellow-brown (sometimes darker) color of hyperpigmentation. In some cases they have big sizes, and their outlines resemble a geographical map. The localization of chloasma can be different: face, nipples, torso (along the white line of the abdomen), genitals. In winter and autumn, hyperpigmentation may fade.

The reason for the appearance of such dark spots is always associated with a hormonal imbalance (increased estrogen levels):

• ovarian dysfunction;
• pregnancy;
• period of menopause.

Freckles

Freckles are more common in people with bright eyes and hair.

These small dark spots on the skin of a light yellow or more saturated brown shade can be located on the face or body. They often appear in children, become more noticeable in spring and summer (during periods of greater solar activity), and may disappear completely with age.

Most often, freckles appear in people of I-II phototypes ( blonde hair and skin, blue or green eyes) after exposure to ultraviolet rays. Scientists have proven a hereditary predisposition to this type of hyperpigmentation.

Poikiloderma

This type of dark spot is a specific type of skin atrophy that is accompanied by patchy or reticular hyperpigmentation and telangiectasias. Dermatologists distinguish congenital (Thomson's syndrome) and acquired types of poikiloderma. Pathologies are accompanied by the appearance of redness and swelling on the skin. Subsequently, skin atrophy develops and telangiectasia, hyperpigmentation and depigmentation appear. Patients have hypersensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Changes in the skin can be observed on the face, neck, arms, legs and buttocks. With congenital poikiloderma, more often observed in women, there are other pathologies: underdevelopment of the genital organs, cataracts, abnormalities of hair, teeth, nails and bones

The following factors can become the causes of the development of poikiloderma:

• pathological gene on the 8th chromosome (with congenital pathology);
• frequent and prolonged exposure to sunlight on the neck and chest;
• ionizing radiation;
• some cosmetics;
• endocrine disorders;
• connective tissue pathology;
• diseases of muscle tissue;
• dermatological diseases;
• other unexplained reasons.

Recklinghausen's disease

In Recklinghausen's disease (or neurofibromatosis type I), dark spots of the shade of "coffee with milk", rashes in the form of "clusters" of freckles (in atypical places) and neurofibroma appear on the skin.

Hyperpigmented spots can be present on the body from birth or appear in childhood. The intensity of their color can vary and is usually represented by brown hues, but in some cases they can have a gray-blue color. Usually they are located on the surface of the limbs or trunk, and there are at least five of them. With age, their number may increase. Neurofibromas appear on the patient's body. And subsequently they appear in other systems and organs (on the nervous tissue, adrenal glands, etc.). In 3-15% of cases, they can degenerate into cancerous neoplasms.

With the progression of the disease, the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system are involved in the pathological process. Patients have various degrees of mental retardation, epileptic seizures, depression and psychological disorders are observed. On the part of the bones in patients with neurofibromatosis, various anomalies are observed: defects in the vertebral bodies, cysts in the tubular bones, etc.

Also, with Recklinghausen's disease, such violations are detected:

• Lisch nodules (hamartomas on the iris of the eye);
• premature puberty;
• growth disorders;
• syringomyelia (a disease accompanied by the appearance of cavities in the spinal cord);
• stenosis of the pulmonary and renal arteries;
• formation of cysts in the lungs.

The cause of the development of Recklinghausen's disease is a mutation in the gene of the 17th chromosome, which manifests itself in 100% of cases and cannot go unnoticed throughout life. This severe disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and increases the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

With Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, small ribbon-like spots of brownish-yellow, brown or dark brown color appear on the skin and mucous membranes of the patient. On the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, sclera and red border of the lips, they have a blue-brown color.

Pigmentation sizes can reach 1-4 mm. On the face, they are more often localized around the lips and eyes or around the nostrils, and on the body - on the back surface of the hands and forearms, chest, abdomen and palms. Less commonly, hyperpigmentation occurs on the forehead, chin, vulva, or around the anus.

In patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, polyps form in the intestinal lumen. These neoplasms lead to the periodic appearance of abdominal pain, dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea, rumbling in the abdomen and flatulence. Subsequently, they can degenerate into malignant tumors.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and often occurs in several family members. This pathology is common on all continents and is somewhat more common in women. In some cases, the pathology proceeds without the appearance of dark spots on the skin and mucous membranes and is accompanied only by the development of intestinal polyposis.

Causes and main symptoms of gray-blue dyspigmentations

Nevus of Ota

Nevus of Ota is a unilateral single spot of black-cyanotic or dark blue, which is located in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe eye, upper jaw and cheek. Sometimes such a violation of pigmentation consists of several spots merging with each other. In rare cases, this dyspigmentation can be bilateral.

Such a dark spot can spread to the sclera and mucous membranes of the eye, pharynx and nose. The intensity of its color can be different - from slightly noticeable to ugly saturated. The spot is present from birth or appears during adolescence and does not disappear on its own. Sometimes a nevus of Ota transforms into skin melanoma.

Scientists do not yet know the exact reasons for the appearance of such a gray-blue dispigmentation. Presumably, the formation of the nevus of Ota is due to hereditary factors, but this theory has not yet received substantiated confirmation. In most cases, such dark spots appear in persons of the Mongoloid race. In isolated cases, the nevus of Ota is detected in people of European or Negroid races.

Nevus Ita

The symptoms of Ita nevus are in many ways similar to those of Ota nevus. The only difference between such a dark spot is its location - the area of ​​hyperpigmentation is localized on the neck, in the chest or scapula, or under the collarbone.

Mongolian spot

With a Mongolian spot on the skin of a newborn, an area of ​​pigmentation of a gray-blue, cyanotic or bluish-brown color of an irregular or rounded shape is found. Its dimensions can be different (from 1-2 to 10 or more centimeters in diameter). Usually it is located on the lumbosacral region, but it can also be localized on other parts of the body (back, buttocks, back of the leg, etc.). Sometimes there may be a migration of the site of dispigmentation, i.e., displacement (for example, from the lumbar region to the buttock). In most cases, the Mongolian spot is single, but there are also multiple dispigmentations of this type. Cases of transformation of such dark spots into skin cancer were not recorded.

Initially, the dispigmentation has a rich color, but with age it turns pale and gradually decreases in size. More often, the spot completely disappears by 4-5 years, but sometimes it can be observed up to 7-13 years. In rare cases, the Mongolian spot is also present in adults.

Scientists believe that such dyspigmentation develops with incomplete migration of melanocytes from the deeper layers of the skin into the epidermis. The exact reason for such an unfinished process is still unknown. The Mongolian spot in 90% of cases is observed in children of the Mongoloid race, is often detected in the Negroid race, and only in 1% of cases among Caucasians.

Blue-gray dyspigmentation with heat, medication, and heavy metal accumulation

Dark spots on the skin can also be provoked by various external factors:

• thermal effects - such dispigmentations are observed with the systematic use of heating bedding, gray-blue spots appear on the skin, accompanied by burning, scarring, erythema and peeling;
• taking medications - such dyspigmentations are provoked by taking certain medications (barbiturates, salicylates, phenolphthalein or tetracyclines), gray-blue or red-brown spots appear on the skin, which are always located in the same area;
• accumulation of heavy metals - such dispigmentation is provoked by the accumulation of silver, bismuth, mercury or gold in the layers of the skin, with the accumulation of gold spots of brown shades are observed, and with the accumulation of other substances they have a gray-blue color of varying intensity. Such disorders can be caused by taking amiadrone, bleomycin, clofazimine, zidovudine, thyriodazine, etc.

The causes of dark spots on the skin are many, and they are very diverse. Some of them are completely harmless, can go away on their own or are easily eliminated and present only a cosmetic problem. However, there are also dangerous species hyperpigmentation of the skin, which require constant monitoring by a specialist and treatment. Remember this, do not disregard any symptoms of skin discoloration and be healthy!

Brown spots on the face are a fairly common cosmetic flaw that can lead any woman to despair. According to statistics, age spots are a typical female problem. And, in order to restore the flawless appearance of the skin, many use anti-pigmentation cosmetics. However, the causes of brown spots on the face are often associated with a state of health, so first of all you need to take care of it. In the publication, we will talk about the reasons for the appearance of such spots, their types and ways to eliminate them from the salon and with the help of home remedies.

Causes of brown spots on the face

Appearance of the visible cosmetic defect in the form of a brown spot on the face can be caused various reasons. Common factors that cause dark spots to appear include:

Dark spots on the skin of the face: varieties and features

The type of skin pigmentation is determined by its etiology. The appearance of brown moles or warts may indicate the presence of a hereditary disease - seborrheic keratosis.

Areas of dark color on the face are characteristic of melasma arising from the active production of melanin. In this case, the specks can be both very small and quite extensive. This problem is familiar to many women, as well as tan lovers. During pregnancy and during periods of age-related changes in the body, the formation of pigmented areas increases. Hormonal and contraceptive drugs can also lead to increased pigmentation. Increased production of melanin is also observed in people in old age.

The appearance on the face of areas of brown or red skin that have a rough and flaky appearance indicates the development actic keratosis. This disease occurs due to prolonged exposure to active ultraviolet radiation. If timely competent treatment is not started, then the degeneration of pigmented areas into oncological neoplasms is not excluded.

emergence black spots on face- still no reason to panic. Rather, it has to do with aging. But still, it will not hurt to undergo an examination and consult a doctor in order to exclude serious diseases.

A typical feature juvenile melanoma are light brown seals that have arisen due to a hereditary predisposition and regular injury to the skin against this background. Freckles or ephelids, which look like brown dots, appear on the face due to the innate characteristics of a person. This is how light skin reacts to the influence of solar radiation. Most often, freckles "decorate" the cheeks and nose, appear with childhood. Especially noticeable during warm periods, when the sun's radiation is most active.

If oblong neoplasms have a convex shape and are dark brown in color, dermatologists in this case diagnose lentigo. The spots are small in size - up to 2-5 mm with clear boundaries, often thickened and protruding above the skin surface. There are two main forms of the disease:

1. Age spots, also called senile spots, are associated with the aging process and thinning of the skin. Often the disease is preceded by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
2. Juvenile lentigo is a genetically determined disease in which pigmentation appears not only on the face, but also throughout the body - on the shoulders, chest and limbs.

Absence drug treatment lentigo can lead to carcinoma.

How to get rid of age spots in the cabin

Whether pigmentation treatment is required or not, only the doctor can make the final verdict by finding out the causes of the appearance of dark spots. Therefore, the treatment of pigmentation must necessarily include the following steps:

1. Visiting a dermatologist and undergoing an examination with the delivery of laboratory tests.
2. A visit to a cosmetologist to determine the degree of damage to the epidermis and the implementation of the recommendations received. For example, taking a course of vitamin therapy, in particular, taking vitamin C.
3. If the cause of pigmentation was harmful conditions work, you may need to change jobs.

Basically, the treatment of pigmentation consists in taking prescribed medications and undergoing a course of necessary procedures. In the absence of treatment effect cosmetic creams with whitening properties, experts can recommend:

The above procedures are based on the removal of the upper layers of the epidermis. Thanks to this, new skin cells are formed, clean and healthy.

Special attention deserves the procedure of biorejuvenation, which contributes to the restoration of moisture, elasticity of the skin, its lightening and saturation with nutrients. But the main value of the procedure is that it starts all the processes of self-renewal and self-rejuvenation and helps not only to remove spots on the skin, but also to prevent the appearance of new pigmented areas.

Benefits of cosmetic procedures

The use of cosmetic procedures has a number of advantages:

If the causes of dark spots are found out and taken into account in a timely manner individual characteristics body, the effect of the procedures will be maximum.

How traditional medicine can help

You can remove small spots on your own or lighten them at home. To do this, you will need to prepare bleaching products based on natural ingredients. Most of the ingredients for the preparation of masks and lotions are available in almost every home. And you can always buy them at your nearest grocery store.

To remove brown spots from the face, traditional medicine recommends:

With proper preparation and systematic use of whitening products based on natural ingredients, you can get rid of pigmentation on the face, achieve a stable positive result and eliminate relapses.

The high popularity of traditional medicine, which allows you to get rid of spots on the face, is explained by their undoubted advantages. These recipes have stood the test of time, and thanks to the natural composition of home remedies, the skin is not exposed to harmful effects.

Homemade recipes to get rid of spots on the face

Pure or diluted 1:1 lemon juice effectively remove age spots and whiten the skin. If the spots are treated daily, then after a few months there will be no trace of them.

Good for getting rid of pigment spots Castor oil. In addition, treating the skin with oil will improve the texture of the skin.

Works effectively on pigmented areas and onion juice.

To even out the complexion, wipe it with an oil solution vitamin E and aloe juice.

The following will help lighten brown spots well. mask:

• squeeze juice from a quarter of a lemon;
• take 30 ml of natural apple cider vinegar and aloe;
• mix the ingredients and add 80 ml of natural yogurt;
• apply the mixture to the problem area;
• leave until completely dry;
• wash off with warm water;
• moisturize the skin with cream.

All purpose bleach fresh parsley porridge. Apply to problem areas and rinse with water after half an hour.

Lighten brown areas will help you parsley and honey taken in equal parts.

Parsley juice and sour cream also help to solve the problem of dark spots. Components are taken in equal parts. Wash off after 30 minutes on the face.

Prepare for wiping pigmented areas simple and effective lemon peel lotion:

Starch and Lemon Juice Mask:

• take 0.5 tbsp. spoons of starch;
• add lemon juice to the starch until a mushy mass is obtained;
• apply to cleansed skin;
• withstand 30 minutes;
• wash off with warm water.

Cooking home mask from age spots starch, salt and honey see in the video:

Prevention of brown spots

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent brown spots. Be sure to wear Sunglasses, wide-brimmed headdress. Use special creams, oils and liquids with UV filters. Do not forget to consult a doctor in a timely manner if there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Get rid of bad habits, be more in the fresh air, eat balanced.

Conclusion

Most brown spots on the skin are not dangerous, but you should definitely pay attention to their appearance. It is advisable to consult a specialist about the cause of increased skin pigmentation. If everything is in order with health, you can use numerous ways to eliminate brown spots on the face and other areas of the skin.

The appearance of light brown spots on the body: a disease or a cosmetic defect? Only a doctor can determine this. Knowing the cause of the spots, it is easy to find ways to eliminate them.

Light brown spots on the skin: causes and methods of getting rid

Light brown spots that appear on the body are a cosmetic defect that significantly spoils the mood and quality of life of a lady at any age. Beautiful smooth skin of a flawless shade is an unattainable dream of all women without exception.

Unfortunately, human skin modern conditions exposed to constant aggressive environmental influences, which cannot but affect the quality of the skin and appearance. We usually do not pay attention to the smallest moles and scars on the body.

If numerous shapeless spots of shades from yellowish to red-brown appear on the skin, it is necessary to take this seriously.

The appearance of hyperpigmentation - this is the name of this phenomenon - is not just a cosmetic defect that has arisen due to external influences or age-related changes, but a signal of the onset of malfunctions in the body. If a cosmetic defect is eliminated using special cosmetic preparations and folk methods, then some types of pigmentation cannot be eliminated without the help of a doctor. The doctor will identify the cause of the alarming symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment. After the course of therapy, pigmentation should disappear.

Skin pigmentation: a variety of forms and types

Most often, we pay attention to skin defects if they appear suddenly. Such defects include the appearance on the body of spots of various shapes and shades. Usually they have smooth surface, but sometimes differ from healthy skin by roughness or bumpy seals.

Given the causes of appearance and appearance, spots on the body can be divided into three main groups:

• artificial origin. They occur as a result of the introduction of various dyes under the skin to permanent makeup or tattoos.
• Pigmented. The reason for their occurrence is a lack of melanin in the body, or its excess.
• Vascular. Arise at the site of vessels close to the surface of the skin and are from light pink to red-violet shades.

Spots of light brown color are usually the result of an imbalance in the body of melanin and are called pigment spots. Depending on the intensity of the color, they are lighter or darker than the main skin color.

Types of age spots on the face and body

Pigment spots are divided into three types:

1. Moles;
2. hyperpigmented;
3. Hypopigmented.

Moles are:

• warty;
• vascular;
• pigmented.

The first two types require special attention, because due to their structure they are often subjected to mechanical damage. For this reason, serious skin diseases occur, which are difficult to get rid of. The most dangerous is melanoma, when, even with intensive treatment, a person is at mortal risk.

The most harmless type of moles is pigmented, they do not protrude above the surface of the skin and are a concentration of pigment.

• Hyperpigmentation is increased pigmentation in certain areas of the skin, which has a congenital or acquired origin.

Congenital hyperpigmentation includes:

• lentigo;
• birthmarks.

And for those purchased:

• freckles;
• chloasma;
• melasma and more.

• Hypopigmentation, on the contrary, is observed due to a general decrease in the amount of melanin in the body. It can also be congenital or acquired. Hypopigmented skin is lighter than the rest of the skin.

Acquired hypopigmentation is typical for people suffering from skin diseases:

• psoriasis;
• vitiligo;
• eczema;
• lichen of various etiologies.

Vitiligo is characterized by the alternation of darker areas of the skin of a brown shade with islands of white. Very often you can see on the skin affected by vitiligo and orange patches.

Also, the appearance of light spots on the body is the result of mechanical injuries resulting from cuts, bruises or skin infections. Such defects disappear over time as the skin heals. Pigmentation that has arisen on the body as a result of stress, various burns, autoimmune diseases, disappears after the course of treatment, but this takes a long time.

Causes of age spots on the body

An imbalance in the formation of melanin in the body and the appearance of pigment on the skin are caused by a number of reasons.

The most harmless form of hyperpigmentation is freckles. However, there are forms of pigmentation that bring the owner not only moral suffering due to cosmetic defects that have appeared, but also physical ones: often the itching that occurs at the site of the lesion makes a person get rid of the spots in any way.

Some of the most common causes of pigmentation include:

• Excessive exposure to the sun during the hot season. In order to protect the skin from sunburn, the body begins to intensively produce excessive melanin.
• Mechanical trauma to the surface of the skin leads to a change in its color, which disappears over time.
• A hormonal surge in pregnant women can also lead to brown spots on the face and body. To get rid of them, nothing should be done - with the full recovery of the body after childbirth, the spots will gradually disappear.
• Medications taken without a doctor's prescription or as a result of incorrect prescription can also lead to blemishes on the skin. At the same time, they have different shades- orange, light brown, even green. If such signs appear, you should immediately stop taking the medication, which will save you from the appearance of new ones, and will also serve as an impetus for the disappearance of already appeared spots.
• Age spots are a subspecies of hyperpigmentation. They usually appear on exposed areas of the skin due to the accumulation in these places of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin.
• Hereditary causes cannot be ruled out: hypermelanosis - the appearance of dark brown spots - is transmitted at the gene level.

All of the above causes of pigmentation on the body are relatively safe and do not require special medical intervention.

Brown spots that appear on the body, which at the same time itch, peel off, may be a sign of a malfunction of the adrenal glands. The appearance of external changes in skin color is often accompanied by sudden mood swings, muscle pain, and general weakness.

With such symptoms, you should not delay a visit to the doctor.

In addition, light brown scaly and itchy spots are a sign of the appearance of a fungal disease, which can only be eliminated with the help of a dermatologist.

Most often, such symptoms appear when infected with pityriasis, or multi-colored, deprive. V this case serious complex treatment is required.

How to remove age spots

If the cause of pigmentation is not a serious disease, then you can reduce the color intensity of age spots or get rid of them with the help of ointments or creams.

With not very pronounced pigmentation, spots at home are removed with lemon juice, parsley juice or hydrogen peroxide, using proven folk recipes.

In serious cases, it is recommended to visit a cosmetology office, where a professional cosmetologist will conduct a course of laser therapy, chemical peeling, or pigment removal using liquid nitrogen. These modern methods are effective and popular. After the procedures performed, there will be no trace of age spots.

Do not forget that you can get rid of age spots only if they are a cosmetic defect and do not serve as signs of a serious illness. Therefore, with a sudden manifestation of pigmentation, it is impossible to postpone the examination by a doctor and neglect the prescribed treatment.

The problem of skin pigmentation in more dark color very common, as their diversity is very wide. Most stains do not pose a threat to health, but spoil the appearance and affect self-esteem. But some of them can indicate serious conditions, including melanoma (a form of skin cancer).

Causes

Some causes of dark spots are due to internal conditions or external influences. Others are associated with diseases.

hyperpigmentation

In simple words, this is the appearance of dark spots or areas that can cover a small area of ​​the skin or spread to the entire body. Dark spots appear due to increased production of melanin caused by the activity of pigment cells known as melanocytes located in the epidermis.

Here are three main causes of hyperpigmentation, although there are actually many more.

Lentigines or lentigo

Lentigines often resemble freckles, but have sharper edges and do not darken in the sun.

The first cause of hyperpigmentation is lentigins. These are dark spots caused by exposure to the UV rays of the sun and are usually randomly scattered throughout the body. They can affect the entire surface of the body or only part of it. Lentigins are similar to freckles, but they are different formations. Unlike freckles, they do not change their light after exposure to the sun and have clearer contours, although they can often only be distinguished by a specialist after tissue examination.

People over 60 are more prone to lentigines.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

PVG is a temporary pigmentation that follows trauma (eg, thermal burns) or an inflammatory skin disorder (eg, dermatitis, infection).

PVH, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can be caused by a number of conditions, trauma, or the use of harsh skin care products. For example, with burns, acne or psoriasis, such dark spots are likely to appear.

Chloasma (melasma)

Another relatively common cause of hyperpigmentation is chloasma, which occurs due to hormonal imbalances. Women may notice the appearance of dark spots during periods of a hormonal surge, such as during pregnancy or menopause. Also happens as side effect from admission birth control pills and hormone therapy. Chloasma can also occur as a result of dysfunction of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, liver, diseases of the reproductive organs in women, malaria, tuberculosis, syphilis, pellagra.

These patches are variable in shape and size, irregular in shape, smooth surface and well-defined borders. Their color is light yellow to gray-brown and dark brown. They do not always go away on their own, as they are often chronic.

Impaired liver function

Dark pigmentation is one of the signs of liver damage, against the background of other common symptoms (eczema, hives, rash, white coating on the tongue, dark urine, and others). The liver cannot filter out all the fats, drugs, and other substances that enter the body. This means that some of the toxins that are responsible for skin discoloration are stored in the body. Fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can damage the liver due to too much fat.

acne scars

Acne can affect any part of the body - face, neck, back, chest and others. Common symptoms of this condition include the formation of pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. After healing, they usually decrease to dark scars, which together form patches. However, some scars turn white and may cover the entire body.

To reduce pigmentation, use topical creams and gel solutions containing benzoyl peroxide. You can also try sulfur lotions, cleansers and masks, or try salicylic acid. Antibiotics successfully fight the bacteria that cause acne.

Rough scrubs and friction

Whenever you wear tight clothing or use harsh scrubs, your skin becomes inflamed and melanin is released. And the longer contact with hard materials and substances lasts, the more dark spots appear.

sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun causes dark spots to appear. UV rays from the sun are harmful to the skin, as they cause burns, which in turn lead to dark spots on the skin. Exists different types dark spots from sun exposure. Let's take a look at some of them.

Age spots do not necessarily appear in old age, although more often at a more mature age

In fact, this is the lentigo (lentigins) mentioned at the beginning of the article. These "flat lesions usually have detached borders, dark color and irregular shape". .

Chloasma (melasma)

These are dark spots that sometimes appear during pregnancy, or are caused by other hormonal changes or diseases, and usually disappear on their own. They were described above in the section on hyperpigmentation, there is also a photo.

Ephelids (freckles)

May appear if you spend a lot of time in the sun.

"Light Bulbs"

These are spots on dark skin caused by rays from artificial lighting. According to David Banick (Professor from Colombia), "visible light causes the formation of pigment in exactly the same way as UV radiation."

Since melanin determines the color of our skin, it is possible to prevent blemishes by applying mineral sun protection containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Bra

According to Jeanine Downey, M.D. (a New Jersey dermatology expert), a bra that is too tight can cause red, black, or dark spots. There is constant friction between the bra and breasts, which causes skin irritation around the chest, shoulders, or back. They look like burn marks.

Laptops (spots on hips)

Prolonged thermal exposure of a laptop sometimes causes spots on the thighs

Studies have shown that exposing the thighs to radiant heat from a laptop while using it can lead to hyperpigmentation. Also known as erythema reticularis or scorched skin syndrome, these are "patches of discolored skin on the legs" that appear after extended use of a laptop on the thighs.

The best way to avoid this is to use cooling pads or trays.

Facial hair removal

Some women who have extra chin hair remove it using chemical creams, tweezers, or pull it out by hand. After exposure to products with aggressive ingredients in the composition, such as chemicals or creams, the skin will become inflamed, against which post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develops.

Use a mild cleanser to get rid of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation dark spots. Hydrocortisone cream will help relieve pain, but don't use it for more than 4-7 days. Avoid using toner and scrub to prevent additional skin damage.

Pigmented nevi (birthmarks, birthmarks)

These are naturally occurring black or brownish raised skin lesions that are either singly or clustered on the body. The main cause of nevi is the clustering of melanocyte cells in one place, instead of uniform distribution during cell division and growth. Mostly darken after exposure to sunlight.

There are two common types of moles: congenital and dysplastic. Destructive melanocytic nevi and complex melanocytic nevi are less common.

acne

During puberty, many young people develop acne as part of the teenage stage. After acne marks have healed, they darken under the influence of melanin production.

As a precaution, you can try Hydrocortisone 1% to reduce inflammation and lighten dark spots.

Skin diseases

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are other factors that cause skin pigmentation.

It is not a disease, but rather a condition of "dark patches, with a thick velvety texture". .

The appearance of large dark spots in this case is caused by the rapid reproduction of cells, especially in the epidermis. The fast reaction is due high level insulin levels in the blood and taking certain medications. Most often, the problem manifests itself on the neck, under the armpits, on the limbs.

Ringworm pityriasis

Pityriasis versicolor (color) on dark tanned skin may appear as light spots

Ringworm is another condition for both light and dark patches all over the skin. It is caused by a yeast fungus (Pityrosporum ovale) that lives on people's skin and can grow in numbers very quickly. Sometimes causing serious health problems, dark-skinned people can lose their natural skin pigment.

Other reasons

Continuing the topic of what dark spots are, below are other reasons for their appearance.

Keloid scarring

Keloid scars are dark scars that enlarge after a skin injury. May increase on their own if collagen production is disrupted. Sometimes accompanied by itching, sensitivity, and pain when touched.

Usually treated with radiation therapy. You can also get rid of scars with laser surgery.

Scars from injury or infection

In addition to acne scars, dark spots can be caused by inflammation, chemical or thermal burns. After healing, dark or black spots always appear.

Medications

When trying to treat certain diseases or conditions, some of the medications that are given lead to hypersensitivity, especially on the skin. It should be noted that tetracyclines, phenothiazines, sulfonamides, and estrogens are just examples of some of these drugs.

Skin cancer

Melanoma is the only one of the three main types of skin cancer that can be called a dark spot. But it is also the rarest.

This is the scariest possible cause of dark spots on the skin. There are 3 main types of this cancer: basal cell carcinoma (most common), squamous cell carcinoma (second most common), which originates from skin cells, and melanoma. In the form of a patch from brown to black (rarely pink or red), melanoma may appear among them, which resembles birthmark, but differs from it in growth, symmetrical borders, bleeding. Two types of carcinoma, which are much more common than melanoma, are translucent or red in color.

Other conditions or diseases that may cause dark spots include:

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