Dark Spots

How to treat Dark Spots

Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation , occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color.

Dark spots on the skin do not acquire treatment, but some people may want to remove the spots for cosmetic reasons.

A dermatologist can offer creams or procedures to lighten dark spots, or in some cases, remove them.

Procedures are more expensive than creams and are more likely to cause side effects, though they tend to work faster.

A dermatologist may recommend one of the following treatments for dark spots on the skin:

. Laser treatment

Different types of lasers are available. The most common laser to treat dark spots on the skin uses an intense pulse light laser. The light targets melanin and breaks up the dark spots.

. Microdermabrasion

During microdermabrasion, a dermatologist uses a special device that has an abrasive surface to remove the outer layer of the skin. This treatment promotes new collagen growth, which may help reduce spots.

.Chemical peels

A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin, which exfoliates the surface, leading to new skin growth. It may gradually fade dark spots on the skin.

.Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a procedure that involves applying liquid nitrogen to the dark patches to freeze them, which injures the skin cells. The skin often heals lighter afterward.

.Prescription skin-lightening cream

Prescription-lightening cream works by bleaching the skin.It typically works gradually and takes several months to decrease the appearance of dark spots.Hydroquinone, which is the active ingredient in the creams, prevents the skin from producing melanin. Prescription products tend to have a strength of 3 to 4 %.

causes of Dark spots

There are several different causes of dark spots, as we describe here.

.Sun damage

Sun damage also called sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots, people can develop dark spots on their skin after being exposed to the sun or tanning beds.
Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots.

.Hormonal changes

Melasma is a skin condition that leads to small patches of skin discoloration. The condition is more common in women, especially during pregnancy.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hormones may trigger melasma.

.Medication side effects

Certain medication can increase skin pigmentation and lead to dark spots. The most common culprits are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tetracyclines, and psychotropic drugs.

.Inflammation

Dark spots can develop after a bout of inflammation on the skin. Inflammation may occur for various reasons that include eczema, psoriasis, injury to the skin, and acne.

. Wound healing and Irritation

Dark spots may remain after an insect bite, burn, or cut heals. These may fade with time. Cosmetic skin or hair products can irritate the skin, causing dark patches to form.

.Diabetes

Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker. Condition associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots od diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots.