Brown spots on the body: photos, causes, treatment. Brown spots on the skin - causes and diseases The appearance of light brown spots on the skin

Leather human body usually reacts very sensitively to any external influences or internal imbalance in the body, responding with the appearance of rashes, spots, and neoplasms. The formation of brown spots on the body is one of the reasons for concern, since such a symptom may indicate harmless individual characteristics physiology and severe pathologies that require timely treatment.

To identify the reasons under which brown spots appear on the skin, independent examination of external manifestations is not enough. The basis of competent diagnosis is a comprehensive study of the body’s condition (in-person, instrumental examination, laboratory tests, etc.). Only freckles and pigmented nevi can be distinguished by eye.

Etiology

Stain formation brown is the result of increased production of melanin in epidermal cells. Melanin is a special pigment that is produced in the upper layers of the skin in order to deeply protect it from damage and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The most common reasons for the appearance of brown spots on the skin are prolonged exposure to sunlight without special protective equipment, mechanical injuries, uncontrolled use of certain groups of medications, vitamin deficiency, diabetes mellitus, experienced stress or overwork.

But the development of this symptom can be provoked by the following pathological processes in the body:

1. . Light brown spots on the body, which at the initial stage of formation are small in size (up to 2 cm in diameter) and have a fuzzy edge line, moderate itching and peeling in the center, are considered a sign of lichen versicolor. The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Malassezia furfur. Such spots are localized in the back, neck and arms, less often found on the stomach, legs and groin. People with excessive sweating are most susceptible to contracting tinea versicolor. The disease can also develop against the background of hypothermia and a sharp decrease in immune defense.
2. Pigmented nevi. The most common type of accumulation of skin melanin is moles (pigmented nevi). Such neoplasms are usually small in size, round in shape, and have clear edges. Moles are often flat, do not rise or protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. The danger of these lies in the possibility of their degeneration into a cancerous disease - melanoma.
3. Hormonal imbalance. The cause of pigmentation on the skin can be a hormonal imbalance (in adolescents during puberty, in pregnant women, etc.). Typically, such a skin reaction is observed under the mammary glands, on the face and in the area chest. Pigmentation due to hormonal imbalance manifests itself in the form of small light brown spots, which disappear without a trace after the balance of hormones in the body is normalized.
4. Lentigo. Dark, smooth formations are not large size(up to 2 cm in diameter) oval or round in shape may be a sign of lentigo. Such benign growths occur at any age (even in the first year of a newborn’s life). Typically, the process of their development lasts up to 30 years. Lentigo spots are most often localized in the neck, face, legs and arms. The reasons for their formation are considered to be hereditary predisposition, frequent skin injuries, the presence of infectious lesions of the body, hormonal imbalance, thermal and chemical exposure.
5. Chloasma. Brown spots on the skin often appear due to malfunctions of the ovaries (in women), liver and adrenal glands. Under the influence of such internal imbalance, chloasma develops, a pathology associated with impaired melanin production. Lesions in chloasma can be different sizes and shade (dark brown, yellowish and even black). They are localized on the forehead, eyelids and temples in men, in the area of ​​the nipples and external genitalia in women. This rash is not accompanied by peeling of the skin.
6. Freckles. A hereditary disease that causes increased pigmentation when exposed to sunlight can cause brown spots to appear on the skin. The first signs of freckles usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 10 years. At the same time, small (the size of a pinhead) inclusions of a yellowish-brown color are formed on the skin, which increase in size in the spring-summer period and fade in the fall.
7. Melanoma. Most dangerous cause the appearance of brown spots on the body is melanoma - a malignant neoplasm that develops from age spots, which looks like a dense nodule with convex parts. Melanoma can reach from a few millimeters to 3 cm in diameter. Sometimes its appearance is accompanied by itching and the formation of bleeding erosions in the affected area. At the initial stage, such a spot may resemble a mole, but as the disease progresses, it metastasizes to the vessels, lymph nodes, and other organs and tissues.

To prevent the development of dangerous complications, it is necessary to pay attention to timely treatment of skin tumors.

Photo of brown spots on the skin

Features of treatment

For each type of brown spots, there are appropriate methods for eliminating the discomfort:

• for ringworm - taking fungicidal, antimycotic and keratolytic drugs;
• for freckles - exfoliation using slow or rapid action products;
• for melanomas – surgical removal, radiation therapy;
• for chloasma - the use of exfoliating agents and vitamin complexes.

To prevent the formation of unsightly brown spots on the skin, it is recommended to avoid the pathogenic effects of ultraviolet rays and use special sunscreens.

Spots on the skin are a sign of a dermatological or pathological process of another nature. It should be noted that dry spots on the skin can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction, so you should not self-medicate. An initial consultation with a dermatologist and comprehensive treatment are needed.

Etiology

The etiology of this disorder will depend on the nature of the manifestation of the symptom. Common provoking factors include the following:

• thermal or chemical burns;
• allergy;
• dermatological ailments;
• gastroenterological pathologies;
• psychological disorders, psychosomatics.

The cause of white spots on the skin may be the following:

• leukoderma;
• neuroendocrine diseases;
• autoimmune diseases;
• increased susceptibility to sunlight (in this case, white spots on the skin after tanning disappear over time and do not have additional symptoms).

The appearance of brown spots on the skin may be due to the following etiological factors:

• hyperpigmentation or age spots on the skin, which is caused by age-related changes in the human body;
• hormonal changes in the body;
• reaction to certain medications;
• residual phenomenon after burns, cuts and other mechanical effects on human skin;
• malignant formations;
• fungal diseases.

Dark spots on the skin may have the following etiology:

• coffee stain syndrome;
• lentigo;
• chloasma;
• poikiloderma;
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome;
• exposure to heavy metals or toxic poisoning;
• various forms of melanosis.

Dark spots on the skin are extremely rare manifestations of an allergic reaction.

Red spots on the skin can be caused by the following ailments:

• allergic reactions;
• irritation;
• dermatological pathologies;
• autoimmune diseases (,);
• infectious diseases (,);

A red spot on the skin is one of the most common symptoms of not only dermatological diseases, but also venereological, infectious and fungal ones. Therefore, if a red spot appears on the skin, you need to contact medical care, and not engage in independent elimination.

Symptoms

In this case, there is no general list of symptoms. The nature of the symptoms will depend on the underlying factor. However, in some cases there may be no additional symptoms, for example, if these are age spots on the skin that appear with age.

The appearance of brown spots on the skin may be accompanied by the following additional signs:

• the manifestation may be symptomatic if it is a reaction to external stimuli or certain medications;
• as the pathological process develops, the spot may itch and itch;
• peeling is occasionally observed.

As for the localization of rashes, they can be located both diffusely and in specific places, depending on the etiology.

The appearance of light spots on the skin may be accompanied by the following clinical signs:

• peeling and itching (spots on the skin similar to);
• diffuse location;
• local temperature rise.

If white spots are localized throughout the body, except for the feet and hands, then this may be a manifestation of vitiligo. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

The appearance of red spots on the skin may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• severe itching at the site of the rash, peeling;
• bubbles may form at the site of the spots, which over time burst and dry out, thereby forming a dark crust;
• the formation may peel off at the edges or over the entire area;
• possible formation of plaques, papules, erosions (the type of rash will depend on the etiology);
• local increase in temperature;
• redness around the formation;

The appearance of such rashes is often a symptom of the clinical picture of a sexually transmitted disease. In this case, the following specific symptoms may appear:

• itching and burning during urination;
• that do not provide relief;
• pathological discharge from the genitals;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse, decreased desire for a partner.

In this case, dry patches on the skin can appear both throughout the body and directly in the groin.

In any case, the manifestation of such a symptom requires consultation with, even if the spot is isolated and is not accompanied by additional signs of symptoms.

Diagnostics

IN mandatory A physical examination of the patient and a general history is taken. To establish the root cause factor, the following laboratory and instrumental examination methods are carried out:

• blood sampling for general and biochemical analysis;
• general urinalysis;
• microscopic examination of the affected area of ​​the epidermis;
• STD test;
• allergen test;
• immunological studies.

Additional research methods are prescribed by the doctor based on the symptoms, general medical history of the patient and his age.

Treatment

Basic therapy will depend on the underlying factor and the current clinical picture. Drug therapy may consist of the following:

• anti-inflammatory;
• antibiotics;
• antimycotic;
• antihistamines;
• vitamin and mineral complexes.

To eliminate rough spots on the skin of a child or adult, the doctor may prescribe topical medications - cream, ointment or spray.

The appearance of spots of non-standard color on the surface of the skin is one of the manifestations of pigmentation disorders. This pathology indicates excessive synthesis of melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation. This disease is called melanosis, which means a pigmentation disorder associated with metabolic disorders. Such failures appear due to the increased content of melanocytes in certain layers of the skin, which leads to the appearance of spots. Let's find out what brown spots on the skin of the body mean.

Age spots– the appearance of flat, oval areas of a darker color on the skin

Diseases of high severity are quite common today. Chronic forms of these diseases often lead to disorders associated with melanin synthesis. The list of these diseases includes the following pathologies:

• Liver dysfunction due to cirrhosis and other diseases of this organ. It is this type of disease that most often leads to the appearance of small areas on the surface of the skin, colored in dark tones.
• Endocrine system disorders. Disruptions of the endocrine system have a huge impact on the quality of the metabolic system. Hormonal disorders, pathological processes in the functioning of the sweat glands, diabetes mellitus are only a small part of the reasons leading to the appearance of spots of non-standard color.
• Cachectic form of melanosis quite often accompanies a disease such as tuberculosis.
• Kidney dysfunction can also be expressed by the appearance of areas with an unnatural color. This form of the disease is called uremic type melanosis.

The above reasons are the main factors leading to the appearance of melanosis. However, this disease may also have a different nature, not associated with disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

Toxic type melanosis

This form of pathology is observed in people who are constantly exposed to various aggressive chemicals due to their profession. Prolonged contact with fuels and lubricants (oil, coal, oils) is one of the most common causes of pathology.

Prolonged contact with this category of products leads to acute toxic poisoning. Lack of attention to this problem can cause not only spots on the body, but also a chronic form of the disease. Against this background, various pathological processes are observed in the work of many body systems and a severe deterioration in health.

Becker's nevus

This type of mole looks like a small spot colored yellow-brown. Such neoplasms most often have uneven borders. Becker's nevus in most cases occurs in adolescents between the ages of ten and fifteen years. According to statistics, this disease is more common among males.

Becker's nevus is most often localized in the lower extremities and upper torso. At the initial stages of formation, the spots have a small diameter, but the development of the disease leads to a significant increase in their size. The average diameter of neoplasms can exceed ten centimeters.

Becker's nevus is a disease of unknown etiology. Experts associate the appearance of this disease with hormonal disorders.

Pigment spots, especially multiple ones, are a cosmetic defect

Melanosis arsenic form

This type of melanosis occurs while taking medicines, among the components of which is arsenic. In addition, symptoms such as dark age spots may appear in people who frequently come into contact with this chemical at work.

Dubreuil melanosis

This disease is oncological in nature. The appearance of small spots that are dark in color and irregular in shape often indicates the development of skin cancer. This form of neoplasm is most often localized in the upper body. Brown growths at the initial stage of development are very similar to moles and rise slightly above the surface of the skin.

At the initial stage of development, the spots have a small diameter, but over a short period of time their diameter increases several times. The color of the new growths can vary from light yellow to dark brown. The outline of the growths can be compared to a geographical map. The development of the disease leads to the formation of nodules and papules on the surface of the affected tissues and tumors themselves. The stain changes its structure, becoming denser.

The disease is accompanied by severe itching and redness of those areas of the skin that are nearby. The brown spot on the skin begins to peel off towards the end of the development stage. At the same stage, small spots similar to freckles begin to form on healthy areas of the skin. The appearance of these symptoms indicates the beginning of the degeneration of the spot into a malignant tumor.

Acanthosis nigricans

Dermatologists are often asked the question: dark spots on the skin have appeared, what does this mean? Experts say that the appearance of black spots may be associated with the development of acanthosis nigricans. This disease is considered quite rare and has several forms, malignant and benign. Symptoms of acanthosis nigricans are most often localized in those areas of the body where there are folds of skin. These areas include the neck, buttocks, armpits and groin area.

The rapid growth of spots throughout the body may indicate the malignant nature of the disease. It is this symptom that most often precedes the onset of cancer. The following reasons may act as the main factors leading to the onset of the disease:

• medications belonging to the category of hormonal drugs;
• disorders of the thyroid gland;
• malignant tumors;
• genetic predisposition and heredity;
• long-term use of a certain number of medications.

Pigment spots can disguise malignant skin tumors

Urticaria pigment type

Urticaria pigmentosa is a rather complex disease that can act as a main reason the appearance of mastocytosis. This form of pathology most often manifests itself in children younger age group and is characterized by the appearance of small dark red spots.

The appearance of spots is considered only the initial stage of the development of the disease. Next, rash bubbles filled with subcutaneous fluid appear at the site of the spots. At the final stage of development, the rash opens and leaves brown spots in its place. Such spots disappear on their own within a few months.

Appearing in childhood, the disease is quite mild. However, at a more mature age, various complications may develop. Experts say that urticaria pigmentosa can cause disability and even death. More often, such situations are observed against the background of a long-term lack of attention to the disease.

Mastocytosis of this form has an unclear etiology. Experts attribute this pathology to the influence of the following factors:

• sudden climate change;
• inflammatory processes against the background of the activity of various infections;
• prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• stress;
• disorders associated with the functioning of the immune system.

Lentigo

Lentigo is a benign disease that causes brown spots on the skin. This type of neoplasm has appearance similar to moles. If dark spots of this type appear on the skin, they can be localized in the face, legs, limbs and upper torso.

This disease has a slow progression and can appear at any age. The risk of spots degenerating into a malignant tumor is minimal. However, if the integrity is violated skin, should be given increased attention state of your health.

The main reason for this problem is prolonged exposure to artificial radiation sources. In addition, lentigo spots can be associated with gene mutations, the activity of papillomavirus and various disorders of the immune system.

Experts especially highlight the influence of hormonal disorders and the effects of ultraviolet rays on the formation of such spots. In addition, lentigo spots can be caused by AIDS and other diseases leading to a severe decrease in immunity.

Problems with hyperpigmentation in this disease appear in the form of single spots of uniform color with clearly defined boundaries. Neoplasms can be localized on various areas body, including the face and limbs. Lentigo spots most often appear at one of the stages of child development in the womb. However, in medical practice, cases are described when this pathology manifests itself at a more mature age.

The development of the disease can cause an increase in the diameter of the affected tissues. Often small dots of a darker color form on the surface of the spots.

Pigments are responsible for the color of human skin; in healthy skin there are five of them: melanin, carotene, melanoid, oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin.

Leopard cider

Leopard syndrome is a rare disease that manifests itself in the form of many spots on the body of various colors. Such pathology can be localized in various parts of the body.

In addition to the appearance of spots, patients experience problems with the functioning of the heart muscle, slight mental disabilities, hypospadias, disturbances in the functioning of the respiratory organs and growth retardation. The formation of this disease is associated with the mutation of certain genes.

Freckles

Freckles are small spots of light brown color, most often localized in the face area. This pathology is more common in children. Symptoms of the pathology are more pronounced in the summer months. Most often, the appearance of freckles is influenced by a hereditary factor.

Chloasma

Women are more susceptible to chloasma. This pathological condition is characterized by the appearance of various dark spots. The color and size of the tumors may vary depending on their location. Chloasma can be localized on any part of the body, including the face, chest, genitals and torso. Areas of the body with hyperpigmentation are only a cosmetic defect.

The main cause of the disease is hormonal imbalances. Pregnancy, menopause and ovarian dysfunction most often lead to the appearance of pathology.

Poikiloderma

With this disease, not only areas with hyperpigmentation appear on the patient’s body, but also swelling, depigmentation and atrophy. In addition, patients with poikiloderma most often experience increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.

When the disease is hereditary, pathologies in the bone structure are observed, nail plates and genitals. Most often, the disease manifests itself in females.

Pathology named after Recklinghausen

This disease is better known as neurofibromatosis type 1. At the initial stage of development, small spots form on the patient’s body, on which a cluster of freckles forms. Most often, the disease manifests itself in childhood. New growths can vary in color and size.

In approximately fifteen percent of cases associated with the presence of pathology, the development of the disease leads to oncological complications. In addition, experts talk about increased risk formation of the following pathologies:

• cyst in the respiratory organs;
• slow growth and the appearance of empty cavities in the spinal cord;
• gynecomastia and renal artery stenosis.

As a result of the accumulation of melanin in large quantities on the skin, age spots are formed.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome - manifests itself in the form of small spots on the mucous membranes and surface of the skin. When these spots form in the mouth area, they can be colored blue. Symptoms of this disease are most often localized to exposed areas of the body, including the face and hands.

Conclusion

Light brown spots on the skin, photos and names of pathologies that are characterized by this symptom were discussed in this article. In conclusion, I would like to say that all of the above diseases indicate serious disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

Moreover, the development of some diseases can lead to a precancerous condition. To prevent the development of cancer, it is necessary to pay increased attention to your health and promptly contact specialists.

In order to reduce the risk associated with the appearance of hyperpigmentation, timely attention should be paid to the treatment of chronic and infectious diseases, proper diet and uniform distribution of physical activity.

If you look closely, there are brown spots on the skin of every person, for some they are barely visible, since they are very small, but there are also large ones the size of a tea saucer. Understandably, this frightens many people, since their first thoughts are liver problems or a serious skin disease. However, in most cases, brown spots on the human body do not indicate anything serious and go away on their own without any treatment. True, in order not to be scared when they appear, you need to know several differences that indicate their harmlessness (lack of itching, peeling and other symptoms characteristic of various diseases).

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Provoking factors and possible diseases

Note! Eat great way check to see if your brown spot is actually tinea versicolor. To do this, take an ear stick, dip it in an iodine solution and lubricate the lesion and a small area of ​​healthy skin. If you really have a fungus, then the spot will turn dark brown and will be very different from the smeared healthy area of ​​the body.

One of the most common causes of brown spots on the body in adults and children is excessive exposure to sun rays without protective cream. Also, the appearance of this symptom can be provoked by:

1. Pityriasis versicolor. The etiology of this type of lichen has not yet been fully studied, but the provoking factors are considered to be increased sweating, hypothermia and a sharp decrease in immunity. Most often diagnosed in athletes and active people (whose work or form of recreation is associated with excessive sweating). A distinctive feature is the appearance on the body of 1-2 light brown spots the size of a small coin. As the disease progresses, the lesion may increase to several tens of centimeters. There is slight peeling inside, the edges are unclear. In rare cases, it may be accompanied by moderate itching. The favorite localization of spots is the back, neck, arms, and less often the stomach, groin and legs.
2. Hormonal imbalance. In children, the appearance of brown spots on the skin may accompany puberty. In adults hormonal disorders may be caused, for example, by pregnancy. Very often, girls during pregnancy (especially in the second trimester) develop small pigmented areas of light brown color, which disappear without a trace 3-6 months after birth. Localization – face (under the eyes and lips), under the mammary glands and chest area.
3. Lentigo. Also, the disease has not been fully studied, but there is evidence of a hereditary factor. Already in the first year of life, a child may develop a small spot of brown, bluish or black color. The shape of the lesions is oval or round. Not accompanied by any subjective feelings. The development of lentigo is observed from 5 to 30 years of life.
4. Vitiligo. A disease about which there is also much controversy, since some doctors associate the etiology with the infectious theory of pigment metabolism disorders, others are confident that the development of vitiligo is directly related to nervous disorders and stress. Be that as it may, the initial stage of vitiligo is characterized by the appearance of small spots of light brown and milky measuring 02.-0.5 mm in diameter. There are a number distinctive features, allowing to differentiate vitiligo from other skin diseases - the absence of scales, peeling and atrophy in the area of ​​​​the lesions. Also, the surface of the tumors never rises above the surface of the skin. The course is chronic - the lesions gradually increase in size, in some cases merging with each other. There are isolated cases where vitiligo affected almost the entire skin. Most often, the rashes are localized on the face, neck, back, abdomen, genitals, lower and upper extremities.
5. Chloasma. Another disease associated with a violation of the amount of melanin pigment. Only in contrast to vitiligo, which is characterized by the absence of melanin, with chloasma the synthesis of an excess amount of melanin pigment by melanocytes is observed. The cause of its appearance is associated with malfunctions of the adrenal glands, liver, and in women, the ovaries. Clinical picture includes the appearance on the body of brown, yellowish and even black spots with an excess content of melanin pigment. The shape and size can be completely different. In men, chloasma most often appears on the forehead, cheeks, temples and eyelids, in women - around the nipples and in the genital area. A distinctive feature of the rashes is that they never peel off.
6. Freckles. A disease that has a hereditary pattern. It often occurs in blondes and red-haired people, less often in brown-haired and fair-haired people, and almost never in brunettes. The first signs begin to appear at the age of 7-10 years. Yellowish-brown patches the size of a pinhead appear on the skin. The period of exacerbation is spring. The lesions increase in size throughout summer period, then the color fades by autumn.

Even long-term use of potent drugs can cause brown spots to appear on the skin. They are also very often observed in cases of vitamin deficiencies and diabetes mellitus.

Photo of brown spots on the skin

Treatment

Note! Chloasma and brown spots can be caused by excessive use of creams, ointments or colognes. Most often observed in women and brunettes. In men, these manifestations are always associated with liver damage.

A distinctive feature of almost all brown spots on the body is their independent resolution over an indefinite period of time. For example, rashes after taking antibiotics may go away in 2-3 days, and spots caused by pregnancy usually go away after breastfeeding.

Interestingly, even tinea versicolor can go away on its own after some time without any treatment. In some cases, when the lesions are in visible parts of the body and increase in size, keratolytic and fungicidal drugs may be prescribed. The following ointments are most effective against versicolor:

• Clotrimazole – 2 times a day;
• Sulfur 10-20% ointment – ​​2 times a day;
• Salicylic 5% ointment – ​​2 times a day.

Rubbing resorcinol and salicylic alcohols into the lesions for 4-6 days is also indicated.

Lentigo should be observed from the very beginning, since there is a small chance of transformation of the pigment spot into a malignant tumor. Freckles are removed using fast or slow exfoliation. The drugs used are mercury ointment, special soap and face masks. A similar treatment is for chloasma, for which vitamin preparations can also be prescribed.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done about brown spots associated with age-related changes or “senile lentigo,” as they are also called. This is one of the first signs of aging, from which no one is immune. The only thing that can be recommended in the prevention of brown spots is to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin (if possible, do not go outside during hot periods without first treating the exposed areas with protective creams).

Most people have moles. Freckles are also very familiar to everyone. Some people decorate them, others consider them a cosmetic defect and try to get rid of them. The appearance of larger brown spots on the skin causes anxiety among people, as speculation about their nature varies widely. Spots are of particular concern if they increase in size, as well as if the structure of the skin in this area changes. Such changes cannot be ignored; you must definitely consult a dermatologist.

1. Hereditary predisposition.
2. Skin type. For example, freckles are most common in people with very fair skin. As a rule, these are people with blue, green eyes, blond or red hair.
3. Skin aging, pigmentation.
4. Pregnancy. In this condition, many women develop brown spots on their face.
5. Fungal skin diseases. Such formations have a characteristic flaky surface.
6. Hormonal changes in the body, disorders of the thyroid gland.
7. Liver diseases.
8. Malignant skin disease (melanoma).

Video: The appearance of brown spots of fungal origin on the skin

Types of stains

The main types of brown spots that appear on the skin are chloasma, lentigo, moles, and freckles.

Chloasma

Dark brown spots that appear most often on the face. Sometimes they can be seen on the stomach or thighs on the inside.

An example of this type of formation is pregnancy pigmentation, which usually disappears after childbirth. It can appear in women with certain gynecological diseases associated with impaired production of sex hormones, as well as due to the use of hormonal contraceptives. In both women and men, spots appear due to liver diseases and even after prolonged exposure to the sun.

Chloasma does not have a specific shape; its surface is smooth and its boundaries are clear. As a rule, they disappear on their own after the cause of their appearance is eliminated.

Lentigo

These brown spots are characterized by the fact that they protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. They are round or elongated in shape, have a dense consistency, and can appear in one place in the form of a single point or in the form of a large group.

Juvenile lentigo occur before the age of 10 years. They usually resemble moles and, like a rash, can occupy a large area of ​​skin and be located anywhere. Usually have a genetic origin.

Senile lentigo often appear in older people, especially with frequent exposure to the sun. They usually occur on the chest, shoulders, face and outer arms. In older people, such root spots on the skin are sometimes up to 2 cm in size.

Video: Cafe-au-lait pigment spots as a harbinger of neurofibromatosis

Moles and birthmarks

People often have them already at birth. Some of them may disappear over time. During life, new ones often appear. They have different shapes and consistencies (some are smooth, slightly protruding above the surface, as well as rough, protruding). In rare cases, they degenerate into malignant neoplasms. This can be judged by the enlargement of the mole, redness, itching, and bleeding.

Freckles

These are small, light brown spots that appear on the face and body. Ultraviolet irradiation promotes their formation, so they appear more strongly in spring and summer. They do not pose any danger; they are removed only to change their appearance.

Stain diagnostic methods

When visiting a dermatologist, examining the spots and determining the presence of accompanying symptoms, a conclusion is made about the need for further research into their nature. The following methods are used for this:

• dermatoscopy - study of the nature of the spot under optical magnification;
• scraping - studying samples of skin affected by a spot under a microscope (usually this method is used when fungal infections are suspected);
• bacteriological examination (culture) of a smear from the damaged area. The method is used if there are suspicions about microbial skin diseases.

If there are adverse symptoms characteristic of liver or thyroid diseases, an additional examination is prescribed by a therapist, hepatologist, endocrinologist and other specialists to diagnose and treat the relevant diseases.

When diagnosing skin cancer (melanoma), a biopsy of parts of the affected skin is performed, as well as an ultrasound of the lymph nodes and a blood test for tumor markers.

Treatment for Brown Spots

Cosmetic removal of stains that do not pose a health hazard is carried out using hydrogen peroxide, citric and weak acetic acid, special ointments containing mercury, as well as folk remedies. Brown spots on the skin are also removed using a laser, the rays of which destroy the dye cells, chemical peeling or by treatment with liquid nitrogen.

Advice: It is better to remove large, intensely colored spots in a beauty salon so as not to damage the skin and prevent inflammation.

If moles are located in a place where they are often injured, they are removed surgically. After surgical removal of the melanoma and the surrounding skin, patients are given a course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatment to completely remove the malignant cells.