What Are Black Spots?
Black spots, also called age spots or hyperpigmentation on the skin, are not a cause for concern. They often occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin, a pigment that gives color to the eyes, skin, and hair. These spots can happen at any time on the skin but most commonly appear in middle age. They usually do not need treatment; people remove them for cosmetic purposes.
What Are the Causes of Black Spots?
Black spots typically happen due to an overproduction or collection of melanin pigment. Other possible causes of black spots are listed below:
Sun Damage: People can develop black spots from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure and tanning beds. A person is more likely to get black spots on the body areas that receive the most sun exposure, including the face, hands, shoulders, or arms.
Hormonal Changes: Certain hormones can trigger a skin condition called melasma, leading to small skin discoloration patches.
Medication Side Effects: Various medications can increase skin pigmentation and lead to the development of black spots, including:
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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Tetracyclines.
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Psychotropic drugs.
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Estrogens.
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Antiarrhythmic medication, such as Amiodarone.
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Anticonvulsants, such as Phenytoin.
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Phenothiazines.
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Sulfonamides.
Skin Inflammation: Black spots can develop from skin inflammation resulting from various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, skin injury, and acne.
Wound Healing: Black spots may remain after a burn, cut, or insect bite heals. However, these may fade over time.
Skin Irritation: Various cosmetic or makeup products can irritate the skin, causing the formation of dark patches.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause skin areas to become darker. Conditions associated with diabetes, including acanthosis nigricans, cause dark patches and velvety skin on the back of the neck, armpits, or groin. Diabetic Dermopathy or shin spots is a skin condition that causes small, brownish spots on the skin, particularly in front of the legs, in diabetics.
What Are the Risk Factors for Black Spots?
Anyone can develop black spots, but they tend to occur more commonly in people with the following certain risk factors:
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Between the ages of 40 and 60 (middle age group).
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Fair-skinned.
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History of frequent sun exposure.
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History of frequent tanning bed use.
What Are the Symptoms of Black Spots?
Black spots typically appear from light to dark brown or black. They are usually flat and oval-shaped but can vary in size. The spots are of the same texture as the skin and are painless. The color of dark spots may depend on a person’s skin tone. In darker-skinned people, the black spot appears a few shades darker than the skin tone and usually disappears within 6 to 12 months. Black spots with deeper coloration can take years to fade.
How Are Black Spots Diagnosed?
The healthcare provider or a dermatologist usually diagnoses black spots with a physical examination and medical history. In suspected cases, the health care professional may perform a biopsy or further testing to ensure skin cancer is not causing the spot.
How to Remove Black Spots?
Black spots are generally harmless. Most of the time, the spots do not pose any health risks. People often get rid of them for cosmetic reasons. Black spots can be lightened or entirely removed with topical treatments, cosmetic procedures, and at-home treatments. The best treatment option for black spots depends on their cause, size, and location. A healthcare professional may recommend one of the following treatments for black spots on the skin:
Topical Treatments
- Hydroquinone -Prescription bleaching creams are effective in diminishing the appearance of black spots. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in these prescription skin-bleaching creams that works by reducing melanin production. It is one of the strongest and most effective brightening agents. However, long-term use of hydroquinone carries some risks. Long-term use can cause skin irritation and increased pigmentation. So it is important to use it on a short-term basis.
- Retin-A (tretinoin) and Renova - The health care professional may prescribe Retin-A and Renova in addition to or as an alternative to hydroquinone. They contain retinoic acid, which helps increase cell turnover, accelerate exfoliation, and promote new skin growth.
- Vitamin C - Vitamin C is another popular treatment that can help effectively brighten skin and fade hyperpigmentation without much irritation.
- Other Over-The-Counter Products - Other OTC products can treat black spots, such as creams and serums containing alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, deoxyarbutin, or kojic acid. However, they may lessen the appearance of spots but may not eliminate them.
Topical medications may cause side effects like redness, swelling, and skin irritation. Skin-lightening products contain active ingredients that can also make the skin more prone to being sensitive to UV exposure. So it is vital to wear sunscreen with broad SPF throughout treatment.
- Cosmetic Procedures - Healthcare professionals and estheticians can recommend various medical procedures to treat black spots on the skin. These procedures are often used along with topical treatments. However, some procedures may not be appropriate for people with sensitive skin. Options include:
- Laser Treatment - Laser treatment is a more aggressive option for lightening black spots, which uses focused light energy to remove skin layer-by-layer to burn the black spots. Some laser treatments can also target the pigment itself. Risks related to laser treatments include swelling, bruising, tightness, redness, scarring, infection, and changes in skin texture.
- Chemical Peels - These contain salicylic acid, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and glycolic acid, which remove the top layer of the skin. Removing this layer can result in healthier and more evenly toned skin beneath. However, these peels can cause skin irritation.
- Microdermabrasion - In microdermabrasion, the dermatologist removes the outer layer of the skin using a special device. This treatment helps promote new collagen growth, which may help minimize the appearance of black spots. The skin may appear pink after the treatment, but these techniques are generally considered low-risk.
- Cryosurgery - Cryosurgery is a procedure that fades black spots by freezing them with liquid nitrogen, which results in the peeling away of darkened skin from the body. Side effects include permanent whitening of cryotherapy-treated areas.
How Are Black Spots Prevented?
There are some ways to help avoid getting black spots or prevent faded ones from returning. These strategies include:
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Never skip sunscreen. Wear sunscreens with SPF 30 every day and reapply every two hours.
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Wear protective clothing outdoors, such as a hat, long sleeves, and pants. Avoid going outdoors during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) as the sun tends to be the strongest during these hours.
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Treat skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne, which may lead to inflammation.
What Is the Outlook for People With Black Spots?
Black spots on the skin can result from various causes. They are often harmless and do not need treatment. Several treatments are available to remove black spots, including over-the-counter products and cosmetic procedures. The effectiveness of the treatment options may depend on the cause of the black spots and their extent. Black spots on the skin may not completely fade, but treatment often lightens the spots.
Conclusion
Black spots commonly occur in middle age and are often the result of past sun exposure. But they can also develop due to certain medications, skin conditions, and medical conditions. Black spots are usually harmless and likely nothing to worry about. However, some people choose to get them removed only for cosmetic reasons. Treatments may not be able to prevent black spots completely, but they can lighten them. Visit a healthcare professional if someone notices any oddities on the skin.
