Black spots appear on the skin, what is the cause?

According to a dermatologist, many people who have come to the hospital when a black spot appears on their skin have discovered a more serious condition than they thought. So what are the possible causes of dark spots on the skin?

Causes of dark spots on the skin

As we all know the appearance of dark spots on the skin is due to the strong increase of melanin pigment under the skin. There are many causes that affect melanin production.

1. Hormonal changes

Estrogen is one of the hormones that inhibits melanin production. For women entering pregnancy or pre-menopause, the hormones in the body are often disordered, leading to a decrease in the amount of estrogen that causes melanin to be produced more. Over time, they build up and cause brown spots on the skin.

2. The effect of sunshine

This is one of the leading common causes of dark spots on the skin. Normally, melanin is produced to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. But when exposed too much, too often with UV rays, melanin will be over-enriched and will not be excreted outside and accumulate to form brown spots.

3. The influence of age

As you age, brown spots, especially on the hands, will appear more and more. Women in their 30s and on will face bruises, brown spots on the skin because our skin is aging and weakening so it is more susceptible to damage.

Some cancers are "opened" with dark spots on the skin.(Illustration)

4. Affected by work

Certain jobs or occupations can also lead to hyperpigmentation due to the risk of exposure to sunlight or chemicals. People at increased risk for this include gardeners, asphalt workers, and those working in perfume factories or bakeries.

5. Having cancer

1. Basal cell skin cancer : Tumors grow slowly and up to 80% on the face. At first, many people mistook this for a mole. Many patients get sick but they come to the Central Dermatology Hospital for mole-related treatment.
2. Dendritic skin cancer (squamous cell skin cancer): 50% develops on preexisting lesions such as scarring, chronic disease or long-term infection This tumor develops malignantly, is faster than basal cell skin cancer as well as the ability to metastasize more.
3. Melanoma skin cancer : This is the most malignant cancer of all skin cancers. According to a study in the US, 70% of people who die from skin cancer are melanoma. For this type of cancer, the initial symptoms are 'gentle', mainly appearing on the skin of the feet, heels, soles of the feet or toes, the tip of the fingers, toes.

6. Genetic

Genetic factors are also one of the reasons you need to keep in mind if your skin has brown spots. As long as your parents have brown spots, the chances of you getting brown spots are also very high. Genetic brown spots are often located in the structure of the gene so it is difficult to intervene and treat them completely.

7. Other causes

1. Unreasonable diet
2. Non-scientific activities
3. Excessive use of cosmetics
4. Have some hormonal disorders like Addison
5. Using antibiotics with side effects increases skin pigmentation

Age is one of the causes of dark spots on the skin.(Illustration)

Solution when dark spots appear on the skin

1. Daily security

1. Limiting direct sunlight exposure: Especially at the time from 10h - 14h because this is the time when very large solar radiation can make brown spots become darker and more severe.
2. When going out, you should shield : Protect skin with hats, coats, masks, . combine sunscreen to protect the skin optimally.
3. Drink plenty of water : To increase moisture to the skin, support the metabolism. Add vitamin-rich foods that fade brown spots to your daily menu.

2. Invasive intervention

1. Chemical peels: This is the use of acidic substances on the face, hands or feet to remove surface skin. These chemicals peel off, revealing a new and well-balanced skin layer underneath.
2. Laser therapy : Has a similar effect, but has a greater degree of accuracy when a dermatologist can control the intensity of treatment. With this therapy, a laser is used to "burn" away the affected skin. The lightest beam intensity is used for the skin's epidermis (superficial layer), and the more intense rays are used to remove the deeper skin layers beneath the skin.

These treatments can be very effective for hyperpigmentation, but are expensive and can be invasive. And because they cause irritation, dermatitis even burns the skin, these therapies lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially for people with dark skin.