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Most brown spots are related to the sun, age or hormonal changes, but changes in shape, size, color or bleeding require dermatological control<\/p>\n
Brown spots on the skin are very common. Almost everyone, at some point in life, can develop some form of them. In most cases they are harmless signs of sun exposure and skin aging, but sometimes they can indicate more serious health conditions.<\/p>\n
This hyperpigmentation occurs when the body produces more melanin, which causes spots or darker areas to appear on the skin.<\/p>\n
“I see brown spots every day in practice and on almost every patient. Almost everyone has some type of brown spot, usually a mole or sunspot,” he says. dr. William Kwan, board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in California.<\/p>\n
Dr. Elizabeth Rubin, a board-certified emergency medicine physician at a Los Angeles hospital, says the key is distinguishing between persistent, uniform-colored spots and those that change color, size, or shape over time. The latter require medical evaluation, Telegrafi reports.<\/p>\n
Brown spots can appear in several forms, each with special characteristics. Dermatologists most often see these types:<\/p>\n
The most common cause of brown spots is sun exposure. “Cumulative exposure to the sun and tanning leads to many brown spots on the parts of the skin that are exposed,” says Dr. Kwan.<\/p>\n
These flat spots develop after exposure to the sun and can be various shades of brown, tan or black. They usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and upper arms.<\/p>\n
“UV radiation stimulates the overproduction of melanin in certain areas, creating those characteristic dark spots. Aging also plays an important role, because the skin’s natural repair mechanisms and pigment distribution become less efficient over time,” explains Dr. Elizabeth Rubin.<\/p>\n
Almost everyone has moles, brown spots, often slightly raised, that can appear anywhere on the body.<\/p>\n
Dr. Kwan says moles are among the most common types of brown spots people have.<\/p>\n
Although most moles are completely benign, any mole that changes in size, shape, or color should be checked by a dermatologist.<\/p>\n
Hooks are small brown spots, with a hereditary tendency, that become more visible after sun exposure.<\/p>\n
They are flat, usually light brown, and often appear on the parts of the areas of the body that are most affected by the sun, such as the face, shoulders and hands.<\/p>\n
They are more often seen in people with light skin and lighter hair.<\/p>\n
Even hormonal fluctuations can cause a special type of brown pigmentation, called melasma.<\/p>\n
“Pregnancy, menopause or the use of birth control pills can lead to melasma, a type of brown pigmentation that often appears on the cheeks or forehead,” explains dr. Rubin.<\/p>\n
This hormonal form of hyperpigmentation affects many women and can last for a long time.<\/p>\n
This type of hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin darkens after an injury or inflammation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAcne is a frequent cause of hyperpigmentation, just like any type of skin damage,\u201d says Dr. Ruby.<\/p>\n
These dark spots can remain even after the skin has healed from burns, cuts, scrapes, eczema or other irritations.<\/p>\n
Some drugs can increase sensitivity to the sun and affect pigmentation changes.<\/p>\n
According to dr. Rubin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics and some chemotherapy drugs can lead to the appearance of brown spots.<\/p>\n
“These types of drugs can also make brown spots worse. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive sun exposure and insufficient sun protection, accelerate the development of brown spots in all categories,” adds Dr. Kwan for Healthy.<\/p>\n
Rare but serious causes of brown spots<\/p>\n
Although most brown spots are harmless, there are some rarer causes that require immediate attention.<\/p>\n
“Addison’s disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands, can cause darkening of the skin, especially in skin folds or pressure points. This is due to the fact that the adrenal glands they don’t produce enough hormones”, explains dr. Kwan.<\/p>\n
Hemochromatosis, a condition related to excess iron build-up in the body, can give the skin a bronze appearance.<\/p>\n
Even some genetic conditions, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, cause characteristic brown or goblet-like spots around the mouth or on the mucous membranes.<\/p>\n
Metabolic problems can also manifest through changes in the skin.<\/p>\n
\u201cDiabetes can cause acanthosis nigricans, which is darkening of the skin with a soft, velvety appearance, usually on the neck, armpits and groin,” says Dr. Rubin.<\/p>\n
Acute and chronic liver failure can also lead to hyperpigmentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are just a few examples, so if someone starts to notice signs of new brown spots in adulthood, it would be wise to consult a board-certified dermatologist,\u201d says Dr. Kwan.<\/p>\n
When brown spots can signal skin cancer<\/p>\n
Any mole that has changed size, shape or color should be checked by a dermatologist, both experts point out.<\/p>\n
“Any spot that grows quickly, becomes painful, crusts or bleeds spontaneously should be checked immediately by a doctor or dermatologist,” warns Dr. Ruby.<\/p>\n
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