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People who are in their middle age are more likely to develop these dark spots due to hyperpigmentation. Hence, these are also known as age spots. The most common areas where spots are likely to occur are- face, hands, arms, shoulders and the back.
Usually, these dark spots are harmless and tend to cure on their own. However, some of them may be malignant in nature. With some simple skin routine and drinking lots of water, you can get rid of these spots easily.
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Causes of Black Spot on Skin
Some of the common causes due to which black spots can occur are mentioned below.
Sun damage
This is the most common reason for developing dark spots on the skin. Also known as sunspots, solar lentigines or liver spots, due to being exposed to sun or tanning bed, the skin can turn black. Black spots tend to develop on face, hands or arms.
Side effects from certain medications
Drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs can cause skin pigmentation as side effects.
Inflammation
Eczema, psoriasis, acne or injury to the skin can cause inflammation of the skin. These also cause dark spots.
Healing of wounds
After an insect bite, burn or cut, there can be dark spots.
Skin irritation
Due to the overuse or allergic reaction of cosmetic skin or hair products, the skin causes dark patches.
Skin conditions
There are different skin diseases also that can cause dark spots. Not all of them are age-related.
- Melasma- Develops during pregnancy due to excessive production of melanin.
- Linea nigra- During pregnancy, a dark, vertical line appears lengthwise in between the abdomen.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation- Discoloration of skin after a lesion such as an acne
- Chloasma- Hormonal changes lead to darkened skin
- Poikiloderma of Civatte- This is a benign condition in which the neck turns reddish-brown in color
- Erythromelanosis follicularis- In this skin condition also, there is red-brown pigmentation of face and neck.
Risk factors of Black Spot on Skin
Irrespective of age, sex, or race, black spots can develop in everyone. However, certain factors increase the risk of black spot for some-
- Exposure to the sun
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis
- Trauma or injury to the skin
- Taking some medications that increase pigmentation
- Issues in the liver
- Diabetes
Home remedies for Black Spot
For spots that are mild and light, there are several do-it-on your own (DIY) tips you can try at home. Some of them are explained below-
- Aloe vera gel
- Apple cider vinegar
- Buttermilk
- Castor oil
- Horseradish
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Garbanzo beans
- Lemons
- Papaya
- Parsley
- Sandalwood
- Turmeric
Treating the Black Spot on Skin
Topical treatments
To diminish the dark spots, prescription bleaching creams can also work. The main active ingredient of the prescription bleaching creams- hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin production and thereby, removing the dark spots. However, these creams should only be used for short-term purposes. Apparently these creams are not safe to use regularly.
According to a research article, “Hydroquinone: Environmental pollution, toxicity, and microbial answers”, there is a high concentration of carcinogens present in these topical creams. Hence, the United States Food and Drug Administration has limited the concentration of hydroquinone to 3-4% and 2% in over-the-counter products.
Moreover, there are some side effects that can occur due to prolonged use of these creams. Some of them are-
- Redness
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
As these products contain ingredients that are abrasive in nature, remember to wear sunscreen with SPF throughout the treatment.
Cosmetic procedures
In addition to topical treatments, one can go for cosmetic procedures to treat dark spots on any part of the body. Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, consult with a dermatologist first as some of them may be inappropriate for sensitive skin.
Laser treatment
In this type of cosmetic procedure, the dermatologist uses light energy to remove the skin layer one after another. The procedure burns off the dark spots by targeting the light on the melanin. However, remember there can be some risks such as bruising, swelling, redness, tightness, scarring, infection and changes in skin texture.
Chemical peels
Chemically made face peels are applied to the skin that exfoliates the skin and resulting in new skin growth. The peels contain salicylic and glycolic acid that removes the topmost layer of the skin. The possible side effect of this procedure is skin irritation.
Microdermabrasion
Using a special device, the dermatologist removes the outer layer of the skin in microdermabrasion. The main aim of the procedure is to promote new collagen growth that eventually reduces the spots. There are two types of microdermabrasion-
- Crystal microdermabrasion- Through a wand, a machine emits fine crystals that scrape away dead cells.
- Diamond- tipped microdermabrasion- Using the abrasive end of the wand, the dermatologist removes the cells.
Cryosurgery
In this procedure, the dermatologist freezes the dark spots with a liquid nitrogen solution. After the cells freeze, it becomes easy for the darkened skin to peel away. The most common side effect of cryosurgery is the permanent whitening of the treated areas.
Preventing Black Spots on Skin from developing
It might not be possible to prevent dark spots on skin from developing completely. For instance, during pregnancy, a condition known as melasma is not preventable. However, the spots on the skin tend to be stubborn. Hence, it is best if you avoid them from developing at all.
Here are a few things you can try-
- Use SPF- Wear and reapply sunscreen regularly every two hours or sooner, especially when going out or swimming.
- Cover the skin- When stepping out of the home, wear a hat, long sleeves and pants to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Avoid peak sun hours- The sun is at peak between 10 am to 2 pm. Hence, avoid stepping out of your home between this period.
- Treat skin conditions such as acne to reduce inflammation.
