Index
The skin sometimes experiences color changes derived from melanin alterations in the body that we call spots. Sometimes these spots on the skin can be harmful to health, other times they are simply unsightly. Therefore, it is important to know the different types that exist, as well as their treatments. They do not have to be dangerous, but it is convenient to know how to differentiate them and to know that, although they are often caused by excessive sun exposure, that is not always the reason.
Types of stains
Freckles: tiny, light brown melanin spots that usually appear on fair skin. It is very common for them to change color the more they are exposed to the sun’s rays.
Moles or nevus: accumulation of melanocytes in a specific area. It is recommended that these types of spots be reviewed by a dermatology specialist who can assess their evolution (sometimes they can change shape or color or grow, etc.).
Lentigo: skin pigmentation similar in appearance to freckles. The main difference is that they do not change color due to the effects of the sun.
Melasma: acquired hypermelanosis that can be seen mainly in the area of the face. They are more common in women, and sometimes change their appearance during major hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause .
Vitiligo : skin disease that presents very well defined white spots. It is autoimmune in nature.
Melanoma : a malignant tumor made up of cells that contain melanin in large quantities. It is very dangerous, as it causes the most dangerous type of skin cancer and should not be confused with moles. It occurs more often in people with fair or very sensitive skin.
Possible signs of melanoma
It is not an easy task to detect a melanoma, so you should go to the doctor whenever:
- The appearance of a mole has changed or a new one has appeared.
- The edges of the stain are irregular or poorly defined.
- The color is not uniform.
- Tenderness in the area or even pain.
- The spot is red or swollen.
Once it is ruled out that the spot in question is a melanoma, it is probably a spot that only generates cosmetic problems. Let’s see the most common anti-stain treatments:
Anti-stain treatments
Depigmenting creams: depigmenting creams can considerably improve the appearance of blemishes. Thus, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, retinol, kojic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C , etc. stand out. In most cases this treatment must be complemented with peeling or lasers and light sources.
Peelings : in general, hydroxy acids (glycolic, salicylic, pyruvic, etc.) are used together with the depigmenting substances mentioned above.
Lasers and light sources: they are effective primarily for the treatment of lentigo-type spots, and should always be applied by dermatologists.
Sun protection: although it seems obvious, the best thing to avoid unwanted spots is to prevent them from appearing. There is a wide range of sunscreens on the market that offer very satisfactory results.
What to do if I have a stain?
For good skin care , it should be remembered that the essential thing when finding an unidentified spot is to go to the dermatologist. It will be the specialist who will determine its origin (hormonal, due to sun exposure, etc.) and its possible treatment. It is important to take this step first before making the decision to perform anti-pigmentation treatments on your own.
Do not forget that the dermatologist is the medical professional specialized in studying the functions and pathologies of the skin, and it is he or she who will be able to give us an accurate diagnosis, as well as the instructions to follow.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.