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What does it mean when random dark spots appear on your body?
Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, occur when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual. Melanin gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color. Dark spots on the skin are not a cause for concern and do not need treatment, though people may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons.
Do dark spots never go away?
A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years. Discoloration that lies deep in the skin is often slate blue to gray in color.
Can dark spots become permanent?
Dark spots appear when the skin cells produce too much melanin. Hyperpigmentation acne may fade over time, but if the original spots were deep, it may be permanent. Although some topical and surgical therapies can speed up the fading process, it can take several months to years.
Why are my dark spots increasing?
Hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, can be caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes, according to David E. Bank, MD, of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “There are a variety of creams and serums that patients can use to help lighten, brighten, and diminish dark areas over time,” he said.
When should I be worried about dark spots on my skin?
When to see a doctor Age spots don’t require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Why is my dark spot not going away?
Your skin care regimen might also be to blame. “Trying to scrub those marks off with your exfoliator will worsen the pigmentation,” Bowes warns, “as the skin can become rougher in those areas and appear darker. Using excess toners and astringents can cause the skin to become inflamed, and lead to darker marks as well.”
How long does it take for dark spots on skin to fade?
In people with darker skin, a spot that is a few shades darker than the skin usually fades away within 6 to 12 months. Deeper coloration can take years to fade. Deep color changes often appear blue or gray, though a spot may also be a much darker brown than a person’s natural skin color.
What kind of skin has dark spots on it?
Dark spots are common on the face, shoulders, and back of the hands. Dark spots on the skin can range from light brown to dark brown. The color of dark spots may depend on the tone of a person’s
Do you need to see a dermatologist for dark spots?
If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Darks spots and patches rank as one of the most common reasons that people with skin of color see a dermatologist. His dermatologist used laser therapy and prescription-strength hydroquinone cream to even out his skin tone in 8 weeks.
What causes dark spots on the face and arms?
Areas of the body that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or arms, are most likely to develop sun spots. Melasma is a skin condition that leads to small patches of skin discoloration.