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What a beautiful tan: it gives a darker color to the skin and is pleasant to see especially with fresh and light-colored outfits. In fact, tanning is one way through which the skin protects itself from the sun and its harmful effects.
Normally, the color of the skin – but also that of the hair and eyes – is given by the melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes (of cells). When UV rays hit the skin, melanocytes start producing more melanin to defend themselves from the sun, but that’s not enough.
The consequences deriving from aprolonged exposure to the sun may be visible shortly thereafter (for example sunburn), while others may manifest themselves later in time, as in the case of skin spots.
The latter are related to one abnormal production of melanin. In particular
- an overproduction of this pigment causes the appearance of different more or less dark spots on the skin;
- an underproduction of melanin causes the onset of spots without color.
Types of skin spots
Skin spots are not all the same as they differ from each other in symptomatology and triggering causes. These include:
- vitiligo, a disease characterized by white spots;
- the solar lentigos;
- melasma, a very common condition especially during pregnancy;
- the spots that develop from inflammation of the skin and are caused for example by psoriasis, eczema. However, they are not linked to the production of melanin.
That of skin spots is a very widespread phenomenon and also particularly “felt”, as they appear on exposed areas of the body, such as the face. However, thanks to the numerous available methods, it’s possible treat skin blemishes obtaining good results.
So how can we recognize skin spots and what treatments can be adopted? We talked about it with the Doctor Irina Poleva, Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology.
What are
«The skin spots are skin color changes. They may be lighter than the surrounding skin, reddish or purplish in color, or, more frequently, they may have a darker color of the skin (for example brown, latte, etc). It is the latter that most often represent an aesthetic problem.
The type of skin spots that the patient most often brings to the doctor is that of solar lentigo or sun spots that can appear on the face, as well as on the chest or back of the hands, ”explains the doctor.
Why are formed
“It’s about rounded brown spots more or less dark which appear mainly in areas of the body exposed to the sun. Therefore, it is precisely the damage resulting from prolonged sun exposure over the years that causes the formation of these spots ”, continues the expert.
In addition to sun damage, sunspots can also be caused by other factors how:
- a genetic predisposition;
- hormonal changes;
- inflammations;
- side effects for taking specific medications.
Treatments
«Today we can treat them effectively and get excellent results. In that regard, there are different methods which can be used on a case-by-case basis including:
- peeling;
- cryotherapy;
- the PLEXR, which is an instrument that allows you to perform interventions without surgery;
- laser therapy.
In my professional experience, the most effective method with the lowest risk of side effects occurring is laser therapy. The specific laser for skin spots (Q-Switched), in expert hands, manages to remove them without creating scabs and scars»Specifies doctor Poleva.
The treatments available are therefore different and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In general, it is good to contact a specialist who will be able to evaluate the most suitable treatment.
How to prevent them
«The prevention of skin spots consists in protect yourself from damage caused by the sun’s rays. So, I recommend a thorough one daily photoprotection 365 days a year, even in the city, as it reduces the risks associated with the onset of skin blemishes. In addition, you will have an additional advantage: it comes slowed the natural aging of the skin due to the sun », concludes the expert.
The sun is our powerful ally, but precisely by virtue of its great “strength”, it is good take some precautions. Not surprisingly, if on the one hand the sun is the main source of production of vitamin D – indispensable for having healthy and robust bones over time – on the other hand, it can accelerate aging cutaneous. This is a physiological process which, however, can be anticipated, for example, by prolonged exposure without protection from the sun’s rays.
In addition to a sunscreen, it is good to:
- avoid exposure during the hottest hours;
- deeply moisturize the skin;
- use t-shirts and hats.
In case of doubts and in the presence of skin spots, the advice is to talk to a specialist who will evaluate what to do taking into account the patient’s clinical history.
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