The appearance of spots on the skin can happen due to prolonged exposure to the sun or be related to hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy, for example. Thus, as a result of these situations, it is possible that there is greater stimulation of melanin production by melanocytes, promoting the appearance of darker spots on the skin.
However, skin blemishes can also happen as a result of an allergy, diabetes, change in the function of melanocytes, as in the case of vitiligo, or as a consequence of a fungal infection, for example.
Thus, the main causes of skin blemishes are:
1. Hormonal changes
melasma
Some hormonal changes, especially those that happen due to pregnancy or menopause, can lead to the appearance of spots, especially near the cheekbones and forehead. In this case, these hormonal changes stimulate the melanocytes, which start to produce more melanin and leave darker areas in certain areas of the face. These spots tend to get darker when the person is exposed to the sun for a long time.
How to remove: Apply sunscreen daily with maximum protection factor and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as well as heat sources, avoiding getting into hot cars parked in the sun or using the oven, for example. In addition, you can apply a cream or ointment to lighten the skin as directed by the dermatologist.
Hydroquinone may be indicated, but it should not be used for more than 4 weeks. Other options include Vitanol A, cream with acids like Klassis, or Adapalene, for example.
2. Prolonged exposure to the sun
Sun spots occur more often in fair-skinned or dark-skinned people who are heavily exposed to the sun without using sunscreen. The most affected parts of the body are the hands, arms, face and neck, and although it is more common after 40 years of age, it can also appear in younger people.
How to remove: The lightest and most superficial can be removed with exfoliation every 2 weeks. When there is a greater number of blemishes, it is recommended to go to a dermatologist so that more suitable products can be indicated.
This is important because when a person has many spots of this type, he has a greater risk of skin cancer and this doctor will be able to assess whether the spots he has have this risk or not. The use of whitening creams can be a good option, but aesthetic treatments such as laser, pulsed light and peeling also have great results.
3. Allergy
Dermatitis
Allergy is also a frequent cause of skin blemishes, which are often very itchy and red or brown depending on the triggering factor. Allergy spots can appear after consuming allergenic foods, such as shrimp, strawberries or peanuts, for example, after applying products to the skin, such as creams, perfumes or cosmetics, or using objects in contact with the skin, such as bracelets or necklaces .
How to remove: It may be indicated to apply a steroid-based cream twice a day, until symptoms abate. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist to identify the cause of the allergy, so that contact with what caused the allergy can be avoided.
4. White cloth
Ringworm
White cloth, popularly as beach ringworm and scientifically as pityriasis versicolor, is a skin disease caused by the fungus. Malassezia furfur, which is capable of preventing the production of melanin, resulting in white patches on the skin.
This disease is often associated with the beach because it is usually noticed after exposure to the sun, where the areas where the fungus has proliferated turn white while the rest of the skin is tanned. See more about white cloth.
How to remove: In this case, it is recommended to apply an antifungal cream on the skin, twice a day, for 3 weeks. When the area to be treated is very large, involving the entire back, it may be necessary to take an oral antifungal agent, such as Fluconazole, under medical advice.
5. Lemon stain
lemon burn
Phytophotodermatitis is the scientific name for the skin lesions caused by lemons. All it takes is for the lemon to come into contact with the skin and the person is exposed to the sun immediately afterwards, and the skin reacts, which can cause a burn or lead to the appearance of small dark spots on the skin, especially on the hands.
How to remove: It is recommended to wash the skin thoroughly, apply a cream with hydroquinone, 3 to 4 times a day, and avoid putting products, such as perfumes or cosmetics, on the affected area. In addition, it is also important to always use sunscreen on the affected area, so that the treatment is effective.
6. Diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is the scientific name for the dark patches that appear around the neck, skin folds, armpits, and under the breasts in people who have insulin resistance or diabetes. Learn about acanthosis nigricans.
How to remove: You should consult your dermatologist, who will prescribe whitening creams and identify the cause of acanthosis nigricans. In addition, when it is caused by being overweight, the patient must lose weight because this will facilitate the treatment to even out the skin tone.
7. Vitiligo
vitiligo
Vitiligo is a disease that causes white patches on the skin, especially in places such as the genitals, elbows, knees, face, feet and hands. Vitiligo can appear at any age and its causes are not yet known.
How to remove: It is recommended to consult a dermatologist to start the appropriate treatment in each case. Treatment for vitiligo aims to reduce the appearance of spots and prevent changes in sensitivity at the site, and phototherapy sessions and the use of medications to stimulate the production of melanin may be recommended. See more details on Vitiligo treatment.
8. Acne
Acne
Pimple scarring is a very common cause of skin blemishes in young teenagers, appearing mainly after treatment for severe acne, for example.
How to remove: A good treatment for acne blemishes is to apply rosehip oil 2-3 times a day over the scar, avoiding exposure to the sun. In addition, it is also important to keep your skin’s oils under control with anti-acne treatments.
When the person no longer has any blackheads or pimples, treatments to lighten the skin can be indicated, such as the use of creams with acids, peeling with acids, microneedling and aesthetic treatments such as laser or pulsed light.
How to remove birthmarks
The birthmarks can be reddish or darker than the skin tone, and they usually don’t respond well to any type of treatment, being a characteristic that the person has. But when it causes a lot of embarrassment, the person can go to the dermatologist to evaluate the treatments that may be indicated, because it will depend on its location and the depth of each spot.
Acid peeling that removes the outermost and middle layer of the skin and laser treatment can be some options indicated to remove this type of stain on the skin. Getting a tattoo using the shape and location of the stain can also be a more positive way to live peacefully with the stain.
Care to increase treatment success
The 4 essential cares to prevent the appearance of new skin blemishes, and to prevent those that already exist from becoming even darker, are:
- Always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor before leaving the house;
- Moisturize the skin all over the body and face daily, with specific creams for each type;
- Avoid excessive sun exposure;
- Do not squeeze pimples or blackheads, which can leave dark marks on the skin.
These precautions must be taken when treating any type of skin blemish.
