Black spots or ephelis are small spots on the skin that are darker in color than the area around them. Black spots often appear on the face. However, black spots can also occur on the skin of the arms, chest, or neck.
Dark spots are a normal condition and can occur at any age, especially in summer and in fair-skinned people. This condition occurs due to increased production of the skin's natural pigment (melanin).
Black spots are often called freckles. In fact, black spots are only one type freckles. Another type of freckles is the lentigo. One type of lentigo, namely solar lentigo, which often appears in old age and the main cause is sun exposure.
Causes of Dark Spots
Dark spots appear due to increased melanin production in the skin, especially after exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light. Melanin is a natural pigment that determines the color of a person's skin. The more melanin in the skin, the darker the person's skin.
Dark spots appear when the skin absorbs ultraviolet light, causing an increase in melanin production. Furthermore, parts of the skin that have a lot of melanin or have melanin accumulation, will be darker in color than the surrounding skin, so they look like freckles.
Black spots can be experienced by people of all ages. However, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing dark spots, namely:
- Often exposed to the sun or exposed for a long time
- Have white or light skin
- Having a family who also has a similar condition (genetic factors)
Symptoms of Dark Spots
Dark spots are not a condition that causes certain symptoms. However, this condition has distinctive characteristics in terms of color, shape, location, and triggers. Here is the explanation:
- Color
Black spots are generally not black, but reddish or brown and darker than the surrounding skin area.
- Shape
Black spots appear as small (about 1 mm) and flat (non-protruding) spots or spots that spread over the skin's surface.
- Location
Black spots usually appear on the face and generally spread from the bridge of the nose to the cheeks. Black spots are also common on the neck, chest, and arms.
- Trigger
Dark spots usually appear after exposure to sunlight, such as in summer and will disappear when not exposed to sunlight.
Dark spots generally first appear in childhood and disappear with age. These spots are generally painless and generally harmless to health.
When to go to the doctor
In general, black spots are not harmful to health. However, if the black spots change in shape, size, texture, as will be explained below, do an examination to the doctor to find out the cause and get treatment. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Spots develop, for example, grow prominently and have dimensions
- Prominent spots have an irregular shape
- The developing spots have an uneven or wavy texture
- Spots change color
- Spots are painful
Diagnosing Dark Spots
The doctor will ask about symptoms, the patient's and family's medical history, as well as activities or habits related to excessive sun exposure.
After that, the doctor will see the condition of the black spots on the patient's skin, namely the color, shape, size, texture, and location. If deemed necessary, for example if there are signs of malignancy, the doctor will perform a biopsy of the skin tissue to determine the presence or absence of abnormal cells.
Dark Spots Treatment
Dark spots are generally harmless so they don't require treatment. In fact, most of these conditions tend to go away on their own with age.
However, some people find this condition disturbing appearance. Therefore, the treatment of black spots aims to cover, brighten, and disguise dark spots or changes in skin color that occur.
One of the things that can be done is to use makeup or natural ingredients to whiten the face. In addition, if the black spots are bothersome, there are several treatment methods that can be given by the doctor, namely:
1. Sunscreen (sunblock)
In order to protect the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays, it is recommended that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more when you are outdoors.
2. Whitening cream
Whitening creams usually contain hydroquinone which serves to suppress the production of melanin and brighten dark skin areas.
3. Retinoid cream
Retinoid creams contain vitamin A compounds, such as topical tretinoin. This drug works to brighten and overcome black spots. Results of treatment with topical tretinoin are generally visible after several months of regular use. This drug can be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
4. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is done by emitting light that has a certain wave and intensity on black spots on the skin. This therapy can lighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots safely and effectively. The impact of laser therapy is also relatively low.
5. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a procedure that uses low temperature liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy problem skin cells, such as dark spots. This procedure is considered safe with a short recovery time. However, not all types of spots can be treated this way.
6. Chemical peels
Chemical peels This is done using a chemical liquid, such as alphahydroxy acid or tricholoacetic acid. This ingredient works by removing problem skin cells and promoting skin regeneration.
In general, the treatment of black spots needs to be done regularly to get maximum results. In addition to providing benefits, the above handling methods also have the potential to cause side effects, one of which is skin irritation. If you experience these side effects, immediately consult a doctor.
Complications of Dark Spots
Dark spots rarely cause complications. However, this condition is more common in fair-skinned or fair-skinned people. People with this condition are more prone to skin damage from sun exposure.
Dark Spots Prevention
Dark spots arise due to a combination of genetic factors and exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light. Genetic factors cannot be changed, but direct exposure to UV rays on the skin can be prevented in the following ways:
- Avoid outdoor activities when the sun is shining, which is around 10 am to 4 pm.
- Use a sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or more when going out.
- Wear closed clothing, such as shirts, trousers, and hats, when outdoor activities when the sun is hot.