About Skin Spots

There are a number of reasons why skin spots occur. Most are small and range in color from a light brown to deep chocolate in light-skinned individuals. In contrast, within people of color, the exact opposite sometimes occurs. The skin becomes lighter or develops white spots or patches. While many skin spots are benign, those that are not need to be identified and quickly handled.

Types

In light-skinned individuals, skin spots have to do with an increase in melanin development. In people of color, it can be due to melanin loss. Some skin spots are nothing more than birthmarks or freckles. Others result from a serious illness or physical condition. Some are caused by aging. A few herald a warning that something is seriously wrong. Skin spots can also stem from the use of medications like estrogen, sulfonamides and tetracycline. Certain diseases also result in skin spots. These include Addison disease, leukemia, liver disease and Wilson disease, to name a few. They can also result from skin trauma caused by conditions like acne, dermatomysitis or skin cancer. But most skin spots are simply the result of too much sun exposure.

Considerations

Most skin spots are harmless and do not require treatment. Some, however, are of cosmetic concern and can result in low self-esteem. There are a number of creams and lotions in the marketplace to help fade dark skin spots. There is, unfortunately, no known treatment or cure for vitiligo, which can be embarrassing for people of color. It can, in fact, become worse over time, also causing a loss of self-esteem.

Misconceptions

Many people jump to conclusions when it comes to skin spots, assuming that they automatically spell cancer. While, in some instances, the changing color of skin can herald that disease, it is not always the case. Many skin spots are nothing more than discolorations resulting from the change of melanin development.

Prevention/Solution

Many skin spots are the result of improper sun protection. For that reason, precaution should be taken to reduce sun exposure. This includes wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen and cutting down the amount of time spent in the sun. Poor diet can sometimes be the culprit causing the problem. Therefore, drinking plenty of water and eating healthy meals are important preventative measures.
Doses of the vitamins C and E can boost natural collagen production in the body and minimize common liver and age spots. People of color should also make certain they are receiving sufficient quantities of vitamin D.
Sometimes skin spots are the result of a serious ailment. As such, they may offer an early warning that physicians can use to diagnose the condition and provide proper medical care.

Warning

A physician should always check out drastic changes in skin condition or color. While most skin spots are a part of life, that is not always the case. Moles that were once flat but suddenly take on dimension, size or odd discoloration can be a signal of skin cancer. The same can be said of spots that were once barely visible but suddenly turn dark in color or any sudden onset or increase of skin whitening.