Our skin, as the largest organ of our body, provides many clues about our health. Although changes in skin color and texture sometimes seem like a simple cosmetic issue, in some cases, they might be the first signal of serious health problems. It is necessary to periodically monitor the spots on the skin and consult with a specialist dermatologist.
Why Do Skin Spots Occur?
Skin spots can appear due to various factors. The underlying cause can vary according to the color, shape, and prevalence of the spots.
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Pigment Changes
Pigment changes, such as an increase or decrease in melanin production in the skin, are one of the common causes of skin spots. Sun exposure, hormonal factors, or the aging process can lead to such pigmentation issues.
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Genetic Factors
Family history can increase the risk of certain pigment disorders and skin diseases. For example, autoimmune diseases like vitiligo are associated with genetic predisposition.
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Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause skin spots. Fluctuations in hormone levels during pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and menopause can pave the way for pigmentation problems like melasma.
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Infections and Fungus
Infections can contribute to the appearance of skin spots. White spots on the skin may be fungal while bacterial or viral infections can also cause discoloration. For example, lichen planus, a skin disease, leads to itchy red-pink spots and is often associated with infections.
Types of Skin Spots and Their Causes
Brown Spots on the Skin
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Age Spots (Lentigo)
Age spots can appear as a result of exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. In advancing age, this condition, which causes the skin to turn into brown spots, is usually noticeable in areas like the face and hands that are exposed. Low use of sunscreen or prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun can trigger the formation of these spots.
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Melasma
Melasma consists of symmetrical brown spots seen on the facial area. It can be associated with hormonal changes, birth control pills, and conditions like pregnancy. Melasma spots appearing on women's faces during pregnancy may continue after childbirth and require caution when exposed to sunlight due to the increased sensitivity of the skin.
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Sun Spots
Sun spots occur due to sun damage to the skin. Long-term sun exposure, especially in light-skinned individuals, can pave the way for the formation of dark spots on the skin. These spots are frequently found on areas like the shoulders, face, and back, which are most exposed to the sun.
Red Spots on the Skin
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Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a condition marked by itching and redness on the skin. It can be caused by dryness of the skin and can flare up due to various factors. In such cases, symptoms like crusting, oozing, and intense itching may occur.
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that forms thick, scaly, red plaques on the skin. These plaques, seen in various parts of the body, can cause itching ranging from mild to severe.
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Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can cause red spots on the skin upon exposure to food, medication, or environmental factors. For instance, some individuals may exhibit allergic reactions to certain foods, leading to rashes on the skin. Similarly, exposure to allergens like pollen or dust can also cause skin reactions.
White Spots on the Skin
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Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterized by white spots on the skin due to the cessation of melanin production. The melanin pigment is a substance that gives and protects skin color. In vitiligo, the melanocyte cells in the body are damaged and unable to produce melanin. Consequently, white spots become prominent due to a lack of melanin in the skin. These spots, which can appear on areas like the face, hands, feet, and other parts of the body, may grow and spread over time.
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Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Alba is a skin problem seen in children and adolescents. It presents with pale, slightly scaly white spots on the skin. These spots, which become prominent when exposed to sunlight, are generally associated with dry skin.
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Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are one of the factors that can lead to the formation of white spots on the skin. These infections can disrupt the natural balance of the skin, causing color changes. White spots due to fungal infections can be seen in areas inclined to sweating, such as the groin, feet, or hands.
Skin Cancer Spots
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Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous among skin cancer spots. The spots have an asymmetric structure, meaning one half looks different from the other half. They may also have irregular borders and can grow quickly. The spots with color changes are noticeable. The color of a melanoma spot can lighten or darken over time.
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Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more commonly seen types of skin cancer compared to melanoma. When diagnosed in the early stage, their treatment can be quite successful. Basal cell carcinoma is typically a slow-developing cancer that seldom spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma can spread faster than basal cell carcinoma but usually responds well to treatment.
What Diseases Might Skin Spots Indicate?
Immune system diseases include autoimmune diseases that occur when the body attacks its own tissues. Lupus, one of these diseases, can create rashes and spots on the skin. A butterfly-shaped rash associated with lupus can be seen on the facial area.
Liver disorders are associated with impaired liver functions. In some liver diseases showing symptoms like jaundice, significant color changes can occur in the skin. The yellowing of the skin and eyes seen in jaundice is an example of this kind of reaction.
Skin cancer can be of different types; melanoma is just one of them. Melanoma and other types of skin cancer can often present themselves as spots and moles on the skin.
Infectious diseases include infections caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These infections can lead to spots and rashes on the skin. Fungal infections can cause itching and redness. Bacterial infections may lead to pus-filled blisters. Viral infections, such as chickenpox, may manifest themselves with rashes.
How to Get Rid of Skin Spots? Treatment and Care Methods
Accurate diagnosis should be made first in the treatment of skin spots. Some treatment methods are:
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Topical creams
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Chemical peeling applications
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Laser treatments
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Light therapies
Home Care Suggestions
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Pay attention to skin cleaning
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Use sunscreen
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Apply moisturizers and skin rejuvenating serums
Daily Habits to Prevent Skin Spots
Developing some simple but effective daily habits is quite important to prevent skin spots. Drinking at least 2 liters of water a day is essential as it helps maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Regular skin cleansing prevents pore clogging and the formation of spots on the skin. Conducting monthly self-examinations of the skin is beneficial for early detection of new spots or changes. Additionally, seeing a dermatology expert once a year plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment of potential skin issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do skin spots disappear on their own?
Skin spots may disappear on their own if they are due to hormonal or temporary reasons. Spots that grow or change color due to unknown causes should be examined by a dermatologist.
What is good for skin spots?
The creams used in the treatment of skin spots vary based on the type and cause of the spot. Products containing hydroquinone, retinoid, vitamin C, and niacinamide are frequently preferred, but it is important to use them with a doctor's recommendation and after evaluating the skin type.
Why do white spots occur on the skin?
White spots on the skin may sometimes be due to a fungal infection, but vitiligo or other pigment disorders may also create similar images. Dermatological examination and, if necessary, laboratory tests should be conducted for a definitive diagnosis.
How do sun spots on the skin disappear?
The appearance of sun spots can be largely reduced with laser treatment, chemical peeling, and spot lightening creams. Regular use of sunscreen is very effective in preventing the formation of new spots.
How to recognize skin cancer spots?
Skin cancer spots usually have irregular shapes, are multicolored, grow, and sometimes itch or bleed. Early diagnosis is very important in cancer types like melanoma, so you should consult a doctor immediately if such symptoms are present.