Sunspots and Treatment Methods

Sunspots are one of the most common skin problems that occur with the summer months. Saying that when exposed to long-term and repetitive sunlight, brown-colored sunspots may occur, especially in open areas such as the face, chest, back, arms and legs, Dr. Dr. Ayşen Sağdıç Coşkuner talks about the treatment methods used for sunspots.

A smooth and even skin tone is essential for our skin to look young and healthy. Of course, we all want our skin to look like this. However, sunspots seen in the summer months, which we look forward to, can affect the beautiful appearance of our skin. Sunspots caused by the harmful effects of the sun's rays are called age spots among the people. Sunspots are more common in women and dark-skinned people. Sunspots, which are the effects of the sun's rays that have been exposed since childhood and adolescence, begin to show themselves as of the 20s.

One of the Doctor's Calendar experts, Dr. Dr. Ayşen Sağdıç Coşkuner explains the formation of sunspots as follows: “The pigment (color) cell that gives our skin its color is melanocytes. Melanocytes in the top layer of the skin produce melanin. More melanin is produced in dark skin and less in white skin. With sunbathing, our skin color darkens and tanning occurs. Tanning; The increase in melanin production occurs when it spreads to the top layer of the skin. Melanin tries to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun by covering it like a garment, so tan is a defense mechanism of the skin against harmful sun rays. However, when exposed to prolonged and repetitive sunlight, brown sunspots occur, especially in open areas such as the face, hands, chest, back, arms and legs. In addition to UV rays, sunspots can be seen after genetic structure, pregnancy, hormonal changes, use of certain drugs, skin diseases such as fungus, skin problems such as injury, burns and acne, and in old age.

Types of sunspots

Melasma: Brown spots are most commonly seen on the face, cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip, chin, and rarely on the neck and arms. It increases with the effect of sun rays in summer and after solarium, its color becomes darker, it is more common in dark skinned people. It is most common in women. It is usually bilaterally symmetrical in the face area, thyroid diseases can often be seen in people with sunspots. It is in the form of dark-colored, irregularly circumscribed spots on the skin that are not raised from the skin.

Freckles: Round or oval brown spots with a diameter of 5 mm, most commonly located on the face, back of the hands, arms and upper body. It is more common in people with very fair skin, red hair and colored eyes. Since freckles produce melanin pigment much faster than the spotless skin around them, they increase with the effect of sun rays in summer.

Solar lentigo: Round or oval-shaped, brown or black spots much larger than freckles, most commonly seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and back of the hands. It usually occurs in people who have to work outside and therefore stay in the sun for a long time. It is more common in fair-skinned people.

Pregnancy spots: It is the type of melasma that appears during pregnancy. It becomes evident under the influence of sun rays. While it can heal spontaneously after birth, treatment in melasma is applied for the treatment of pregnancy spots that do not go away.

Sunspot due to plants: They are linear or mottled brown spots that mostly appear on the face, neck, trunk, arms and back of the hands. It occurs as a result of the interaction of some cosmetic products applied to the skin, perfumes and the juices of plants such as figs, carrots, lemons, dill, and celery that come into contact with the skin with the sun's rays.

Sunspot due to drugs: Some antibiotics, especially used in the treatment of acne, can interact with the sun's rays and cause burning, redness and peeling on the skin. If the drug is not stopped in the early period, medical treatment is not performed and sunscreens are not used carefully, brown skin spots may occur.

Protect from the sun in summer and winter

One of the Doctor's Calendar experts, Dr. Dr. Ayşen Sağdıç Coşkuner underlines that the diagnosis and treatment of sunspot should be done by a dermatologist. Reminding that the most important factor in the treatment of sunspots is to be effectively protected from the sun's rays, Dr. Dr. Çoşkuner states that regular use of appropriate sunscreen creams and hats for protection from the sun are extremely effective in the treatment and prevention of the formation of spots. Expressing that 11.00:16.00-XNUMX:XNUMX hours during the day are not suitable for sunbathing, Uzm. Dr. Çoşkuner said, “The skin should be protected from the sun in summer and winter. When choosing a sunscreen lotion, the appropriate SPF factor should be chosen for the skin type, age and age. Tanning with a solarium should be avoided because it increases the risk of blemishes and skin cancer.

Stating that no method that treats sunspots completely removes the spots, reduces them to smaller sizes and provides lightening of the color, Uzm. Dr. Çoşkuner explains the methods applied in the treatment of sunspots as follows:

Blemish lightening creams: They can lighten the spot in superficial melasma, and it is suitable for use at night because it can increase the sensitivity to the sun. They must be used regularly and for a long time under the control of a dermatologist.

Chemical peeling: It is very effective in stain treatment and is applied in winter. It can leave deep burns and scars on the skin. It should definitely be applied and followed by a dermatologist according to the characteristics of the stain and your skin color.

Carbon peeling and enzymatic peeling: It is effective in both stain removal and tattoo removal by affecting color cells. It lightens the skin tone in general, revitalizes the collagen tissue and provides refreshment of the skin.

Golden needle RF-dermapen application: Invisible holes are opened on the skin with a large number of fine needles, and stain lightening serum is injected into the skin. With this process, the skin's own repair mechanism is triggered and the skin is recovered and spots can be eliminated.

Mesotherapy-PRP: In the treatment of blemishes, it is usually done to support laser treatment. In this method, many stain removal agents or one's own platelets are used to renew the skin and skin spots can be reduced. It is an effective method.

Recreation: It is one of the most effective methods used in stain treatment. It is a short-term and painless treatment method. It is applied in winter. The applied area should be kept away from sun tanning. These devices are effective by exfoliating the skin or destroying color cells.