Dark spots on the skin can happen at any time but most commonly appear in middle age. They are most often a result of cumulative exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light used in tanning beds. Dark spots can occur on the face or other areas that are often exposed to the sun. Show
The spots are also associated with certain skin conditions and can be a side effect of some medications. This article explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dark spots on the face and body. Other Names for Dark Spots
Verywell / Zoe Hansen Dark Spot SymptomsDark spots are generally harmless, but there are times when they could be cancerous.That's why it's important to check with a healthcare provider if you notice new symptoms. Even when the spots aren't dangerous, if they bother you, they can often be lightened or removed. Spots on the skin can range from light to dark brown or black in color. They are flat and generally oval-shaped. Dark spots can develop anywhere. But they are most likely to appear on parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure. These include:
While individual spots are usually small, several can group and form larger areas of darkened skin. CausesDark spots are the result of the overproduction or collection of melanin, a skin pigment that makes skin darker. They can also result from free radical damage. Exposure to UV LightThe sun and tanning beds are the most significant cause of dark spots. Hyperpigmentation often appears during middle age. That's when the skin starts to show the consequences of sun exposure. This is especially true if you didn't use sunscreen and other sun-protective measures consistently earlier in life. People with light hair or skin and who have had many sunburns, or severe ones, are at particular risk. However, other things may lead to dark spots. These other causes may act alone or in combination with UV exposure. Skin ConditionsThere are several different skin conditions and diseases that can cause dark spots. However, these are not the same as age-related dark spots. They include:
MedicationsCertain medications can cause dark spots because they make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure (also known as photosensitivity). They include:
Other CausesDark spots may also be seen in these conditions:
DiagnosisYour primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist can usually diagnose dark spots with a physical examination. Unless a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy or further testing is not necessary. TreatmentDark spots don't hurt, and they have the same texture as the rest of your skin. Most of the time, they don't pose any health risks. So you don't have to get rid of them, although many people choose to for cosmetic reasons. Dark spots can be faded or removed completely with prescription drugs, medical procedures, and at-home treatments. Topical TreatmentsPrescription bleaching creams gradually diminish the appearance of dark spots. This usually takes several months. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in prescription skin lightening creams. It works by reducing melanin production. However, long-term use has some risks, so you should only use it on a short-term basis. Some research has indicated that hydroquinone may cause cancer at higher concentrations. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration has limited the concentration of hydroquinone to 3% to 4% in prescription products and 2% in over-the-counter (OTC) products. Several other OTC products treat dark spots. They might lessen the appearance of spots but may not eliminate them. Look for creams that contain retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, deoxyarbutin, or kojic acid. Side effects, including redness, swelling, and skin irritation can occur with any topical medication. Skin lightening products contain abrasive ingredients that also make the skin extremely sensitive to UV exposure. So it's essential to wear sunscreen with SPF consistently throughout treatment. Cosmetic ProceduresHealthcare providers and estheticians can use medical procedures to treat dark spots on any part of the body. They are often used along with topical treatments. However, some may not be appropriate for people with sensitive skin. Options include:
What Is Microdermabrasion? PreventionAs you age, dark spots may be inevitable. However, there are some ways to help avoid getting dark spots or prevent faded ones from returning. These include:
Understanding Sun Protection Factor SummaryDark spots commonly occur as people age. They are often the result of past sun exposure. But they can also be due to some skin conditions, medications, and certain medical conditions. Often your healthcare provider or dermatologist can diagnose dark spots by looking at them. But in some cases, they may do a skin biopsy to be sure. Dark spots are usually harmless. Even so, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include skin lightening creams and cosmetic procedures. You may not be able to prevent dark spots entirely. But, you can reduce your risk by using sunscreen, staying covered up when you are in the sun, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. A Word From VerywellVisit your dermatologist annually for a skin checkup, even if you think any oddities on your skin are harmless. Though a dark spot is likely nothing to worry about, remember that skin color changes can sometimes be a sign of cancer. That's particularly true when paired with other changes such as bleeding, itching, and redness. In rare cases, what can appear as a sunspot such as a solar lentigo may, in fact, represent a type of melanoma called lentigo maligna. If your healthcare provider sees a potentially harmful dark spot, they can perform a biopsy to check for something more serious, like skin cancer. Frequently Asked Questions
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