Ugly dark spots!

MOST PERSONS are horrified when dark spots appear on the skin. An unblemished complexion is the promise of the cosmetic industry and millions of dollars are spent chasing that illusive goal. Unfortunately time, our environment and our hormones all conspire against us. Our skin colour is determined by the amount and distribution of pigment (melanin) produced by cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes may be stimulated by hormonal and environmental factors to produce extra pigment resulting in uneven skin colour or dark spots.

POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION

These dark spots are caused by anything that irritate or inflame the skin. It may be some minor injury, an insect bite, an acne bump or the use of harsh soaps and other skin care products. As a rule anything that burns or itches when applied may cause the skin to become darker.

The spot or patch is limited to the area where the irritation occurred. Usually, the skin removes this extra pigment on its own and the spot gradually fades with time. If the spots do not fade however and are present on the skin for a long time the pigment drifts deep into the skin and it is often difficult to remove them fully.

MELASMA

This is an area of hyperpigmentation appearing as a patch over one or more areas of the face. It may be above the top lip or the forehead, cheekbones and sides of he face. This condition is due to excessive sun exposure and is worsened by hormones. Some women on contraceptives, hormonal replacement or during pregnancy may notice the onset or worsening of melasma.

WHAT CAN BE DONE

Remove the cause of the irritation ­ treat the acne, use insect repellent to prevent insect bites on the legs, treat the bumps on the back.

Stop squeezing or scratching, this often increases the irritation and the pigmentation.

Use a sunblock regularly - UV exposure, even that which we get going about our everyday lives will stimulate the pigment-producing cells to produce more melanin

Be patient - the spots usually fade with time

If treatment is required see a dermatologist who will carefully taylor treatment to the area of the skin and the depth of the extra pigment. Treatment may involve peels or dermabrasion

Do not treat with home made mixtures. These often contain a potent steroid mixed with other harsh products, for example, toothpaste and may cause further irritation, a steroid acne or thinning of the skin. Over-the-counter creams are usually not strong enough to do the job.

­ Dr. Clive Anderson,
dermatologist

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