Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Depending on the cause, people may call some types of dark spots on the skin age spots or sunspots
Dark spots also vary in size and can develop on any part of the body but are most common in areas often exposed to the sun.
Dark spots are common in the following areas:
- back of the hands
- face
- back
- shoulders
Causes
- Sun Exposure: The most common cause is direct exposure to the sun’s UV rays
- Melasma: Dark spots can also be the result of certain skin conditions like melasma. This is more common in women and causes discoloration in small patches of the body. It is usually observed during pregnancy.
- 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.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can cause areas of the skin to become darker.
Conditions associated with diabetes include acanthosis nigricans, which causes darkened, velvety skin, and shin spots or diabetic dermopathy, which people may confuse with age spots. - Skin Products: One must always be careful about what they use on their skin. Some products may irritate and leave a dark patch behind.
Treatment
Dr. Vishal Gore -Dermatologist in Swargate Pune 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.
The best treatment option may depend on the cause, the size of the dark spot, and the area of the body.
Dr. Vishal Gore at Total Skin Pro Clinic 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 3–4 percent.
The effectiveness of treatment may depend on the cause of the dark spots and their extent. Dark spots on the skin may not completely fade. It may take a while to see a difference, but treatment often lightens the spots.
