Brown spots on the face – causes, treatment and prevention

Basically, brown skin spots appear on various parts of the body. This includes the human face. The pigment spots are usually freckles, birthmarks, larger areas of color or spots. These show up either individually or in whole groups. The delimiting skin tone is clearly visible, especially on the face. As a rule, however, the surface of the face remains smooth and unchanged.

Causes

The cause of the brown spots on the face is an overproduction of the pigment melanin by the melanocytes. These cells provide the brown tone on the surface of the epidermis by releasing the melanin to the adjacent skin cells and the top layers of the skin. The amount of melanin produced and its deposition depends on the different skin color types of humans. These range from light-skinned type 1 to dark-skinned type 6.The production of melanin is directly stimulated by the UV rays of the sun . In order to protect against a possible attack by the sun’s rays, the skin accumulates more melanin in its upper layers, which causes it to tan. Sometimes the ultraviolet rays also have a selective effect on the melanocytes and damage them. As the cells fight back, this leads to a permanent overproduction of pigment, which in turn leads to an increase in dark spots. This includes the face in particular, because it is often exposed to the sun.

The skin ‘s sensitivity to light is increased by preservatives, substances from perfumes or certain medicines such as St. John’s wort extracts . Together with the sun, these substances cause permanent spots to appear on the face. In the course of life, the formation and distribution of pigments becomes increasingly irregular. In addition to brown spots, white spots can also appear on the face. Sunlight increases this development in old age, which often causes brown spots to appear in the first place.

In some cases, however, inflammatory skin diseases are also responsible for the appearance of brown spots on the face, which affect the epidermis cells. Brown spots sometimes appear after the inflammation has subsided. This occurs most frequently in diseases such as advanced psoriasis (psoriasis), neurodermatitis, urticaria pigmentosa and lichen ruber (myocarditis).

In some people, however, malignant cell proliferation can also be the reason for brown spots on the face. This results in an increase and change in the skin cells, which leads to an increased formation of melanin. The facial spot can change its appearance as a result. This is noticeable by a coarser skin surface and frayed edges. It is not uncommon for moles or liver spots to form the basis for skin cancer such as melanoma.

Diseases

• skin diseases

• psoriasis

• neurodermatitis

• Urticaria pigmentosa

• Lichen red plane

• skin cancer

diagnosis and course

Birthmarks and most moles on the face are often congenital. Usually they are harmless. However, there is a risk that changes will occur in the course of life. Black skin cancer, also known as melanoma, can occasionally develop. In order for a malignant development to be recognized and treated in good time, a check by the doctor is necessary. This can take place as part of skin cancer screening. However, if there is a concrete suspicion, further investigations are possible.

Generally, brown spots on the face should be shown to a doctor if the affected area changes color, enlarges, frays its edges, the skin surface is inflamed, or flat spots develop into pustules or nodules . The same applies to itching, redness, blistering and pain. As a rule, the first examination is carried out by the family doctor. After a thorough examination, he can refer the patient to a dermatologist (skin doctor). If there is a suspicion that the brown spots are caused by a systemic disease or a metabolic disorder, treatment by an internist is also possible.

The dermatologist asks the patient whether they are suffering from internal diseases, whether there are other symptoms such as pain, itching or swelling and what medications are being taken. Sun protection, the patient’s lifestyle and possible previous illnesses in his family are also important. Moles or freckles, which are harmless, can usually be identified immediately by the dermatologist. If there are conspicuous spots, he checks them with a spatula or a special dermatoscope (reflected light microscope).

In order to check the condition of the inner layers of the skin, a sonography ( ultrasound examination ) is possible. Infections caused by fungi or certain tumors can be identified using photodynamic diagnostics. The course of harmless brown spots on the face such as freckles, age spots or liver spots is harmless and does not require medical treatment. However, growing growths on the face can pose a cosmetic problem.

treatment and therapyTherapy for brown spots on the face is rarely required. Freckles and moles usually do not pose a risk. It is not uncommon, however, for treatment to be carried out for cosmetic reasons. In order to cover up pronounced stains, you can cover them with make-up sticks. Acidic solutions and bleaching creams are also considered helpful in reducing age spots or melasma.

If the brown spots on the face are very annoying, the dermatologist has the option of treating them with a special laser procedure and removing the spots. In the event that the facial spots are caused by taking certain medications or substances, it is important to consistently avoid the triggering substances and to have the responsible preparations discontinued or replaced by the doctor.If the brown spots are caused by a skin disease or an internal disease, the underlying disease must be treated accordingly. If this succeeds, the disturbing spots usually disappear again. Surgical intervention is used in most cases of skin cancer. Further cancer therapy measures may then be necessary.

prevention

In order to lighten brown spots on the face or to prevent them, consistent avoidance of UV rays is recommended for age spots or freckles. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer. Products that have a high sun protection factor provide good protection against the sun’s rays.