I have dark skin spots. How to prevent sun damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have very pigmented skin due to sun exposure, and the freckles on my skin are evolving into moles. I feel embarrassed to wear a bikini in the summer.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I have reviewed the pictures you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). It seems you not only have freckles but also seborrheic keratosis. Freckles, or ephelis, are common in individuals who get sunburn easily and do not tan, whereas they are uncommon among people with dark skin.

For seborrheic keratosis (brownish raised eruptions), I suggest you opt for radiofrequency cautery removal. To address freckles, you can use 30 % Trichloroacetic acid cautery (TCA) or topical treatment with pigmentation removal cream containing Niacinamide and vitamin C applied nightly for 16 weeks. I also suggest you follow specific sun protection measures, such as:

Avoiding sun exposure, especially between ten o'clock in the morning and four o'clock in the afternoon.
Seeking shade whenever possible.
Wearing broad-brimmed hats and covering exposed areas.
Applying sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 50 every morning on your entire face and sun-exposed areas, with reapplication every four hours.

I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.