What is a Sunspot? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Methods

What is a Sunspot?

Sunspots are darkly pigmented formations that occur as a result of prolonged exposure of the skin to the sun. These spots, which form due to an increase in the melanin pigment in the skin, generally become more prominent at advanced ages. Especially during the summer months, an increase in the number of these spots can be observed due to increased sun exposure. Sun exposure can also cause spots formed due to different reasons to increase. In addition, genetic factors, certain medications used, hormones, pregnancy, and aging also play a role in the formation of sunspots on the skin.

Although they can be seen in every skin type and are more frequently seen in fair-skinned and spot-prone skin, sunspots are harmless in most cases, but they can cause aesthetic concerns in individuals.

What Are the Symptoms of Sunspots?

The typical feature of sunspots is that they are dark brown in color and symmetrical in structure. The sun is one of the most important factors triggering skin spots. Prolonged exposure causes an increase in the melanin pigment. Melanin pigment gives the skin its color, and its overproduction causes the formation of skin spots; this condition is called hyperpigmentation. As sun exposure increases, pigmentation will increase. When spots form, they can be visibly distinguished. There are various types of these spots, among which the most common can be listed as freckles, melasma, and solar lentigo.

Freckles are a common skin spot that usually appears in childhood due to genetic factors and becomes prominent with sun exposure. They are in light brown tones and are most frequently seen around the cheeks and nose. They are generally harmless; their visibility may change in summer and winter months. Unless they cause aesthetic discomfort, they do not require treatment.

Melasma, also called the "mask of pregnancy," consists of dark brown spots that occur during pregnancy and can be seen in various areas of the body, primarily the face. It is a pigmentation disorder frequently encountered during pregnancy. It is usually seen on the cheekbones, nose, chin, and edges of the lips. It is characterized by an increase in pigment in both the upper and lower layers of the skin. The biggest cause is sunlight, and since there is a risk of becoming permanent after pregnancy, pregnant women need to protect themselves from the sun during this process.

Solar lentigo is the persistence of persistent sunspots with aging. Formed by prolonged sun exposure, these spots appear prominently on the face, the back of the hands, the outer parts of the arms, and the décolletage area. Brown and well-demarcated spots are generally harmless and are observed more prominently, especially in fair-skinned individuals. Such spots are among the frequently encountered pigmentation changes in the skin.

Attention should be paid to skin spots that show color differences, have irregular borders, grow over time, or change shape; such changes may be precursors to some risky conditions.

What Causes Sunspots?

The most fundamental factor in the formation of sunspots is the prolonged exposure of the skin to sunlight. UV rays trigger the skin's defense mechanism, increasing the production of melanin pigment; this leads to pigmentation called hyperpigmentation.

Harmful sun rays exposed to since childhood can become prominent on the skin in adulthood. The persistence and damage of sunburn spots are higher in fair-skinned people compared to dark-skinned individuals. One of the reasons for sunspots on the face is chemical peelings and acid-containing care products added to skin care routines, especially in the summer months. These products make the skin sensitive to the sun, which increases the risk of sunspots forming. Apart from the face, one of the areas where spots are most frequently seen is the arms. Especially in the summer months, unprotected exposure to sun rays causes sunspots on the arm to become more prominent. In addition, the conditions caused by sunspots can be listed as follows:

Genetic predisposition

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy

Cosmetic applications

Goiter disease

Heat and artificial light sources

Solarium

Spot-prone skin structure

How is a Sunspot Diagnosed?

Sunspots are generally considered benign lesions characterized by increased skin pigmentation. Correctly identifying these lesions and differentiating them from skin diseases with a similar appearance is extremely important.

The diagnostic process is performed by a dermatologist. First, a detailed medical history of the patient is taken. The patient's profession, duration of sun exposure, medications used, past skin diseases, and skin type are evaluated. The typical feature of sunspots is that they are light brown, well-demarcated, flat-surfaced, and symmetrical. They are mostly seen in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, back, and hands.

After detailed evaluation, the diagnosis is made with the help of a special device called dermoscopy. The dermatoscope allows a more detailed examination of the borders and structure of the spot. If a suspicious situation is detected during the examination, a biopsy may be required. Such situations play an important role in shaping the treatment plan. Lesions that do not carry a suspicion of malignancy clinically and dermatoscopically do not require active treatment. A patient-specific approach is planned and supported by protective measures.

How is Sunspot Treatment Performed?

Sunspot treatment can generally vary depending on the size, frequency of the spots, and skin type. Sunspots can be significantly removed by methods such as laser treatment, chemical peeling, and cryotherapy. It is recommended to perform regular skin care and take protective measures to alleviate existing spots. Other spot treatments can be listed as follows:

Sun Protection

The most important step in protecting against sunspots is considered to be sun protection. Staying in the shade reduces 80% of the UV rays exposed to. The UV index measures the amount of harmful rays reaching the earth when the sun is directly overhead during the day. Checking the UV index information definitely requires protection, especially at values of 3 and above. If possible, direct sunlight should be avoided between 10.00 and 16.00.

In addition, there are 2 types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens protect the skin like a shield with hats, long-sleeved clothing, umbrellas, etc. Chemical sunscreens are accepted as sun creams. Sunscreens containing a minimum of 30 SPF should be used 20-25 minutes before going out in the sun and should be repeated every 2-3 hours. Sunscreens containing mineral filters are recommended for babies older than 6 months and pregnant women.

Skin Care

'Chemical peeling' is an effective method in removing sunburn spots on the face; this process, which ensures the gradual peeling of the upper layer of the skin, should not be applied in the summer months. Protective measures should be taken after the procedure, and sunscreen should be used even in the winter months.

Skin care and treatments applied correctly can be effective in removing sunspots, but since incorrect applications can increase pigmentation, the process should be planned accompanied by a dermatologist.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are frequently used treatment methods for sunspots. The aim of laser treatments performed in various ways is to ensure the peeling of the hyperpigmented area and to equalize the color difference in the area with a renewed skin layer. Fading or complete recovery of the spots can be achieved with the treatment, and it is recommended that the procedure be applied by professionals. Misapplications can cause the spot to become more prominent and skin damage.

In order to achieve permanent results and prevent possible side effects, laser applications should be performed only by dermatologists or experts in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunspots are more common in fair-skinned individuals, the elderly population, and people who are exposed to the sun for a long time. A person's sensitivity to the sun can trigger the formation of spots. Sunspots can be permanent, but they can also disappear on their own over time. Their appearance can be reduced or completely eliminated with appropriate dermatological treatments. Sunspots are considered harmless hyperpigmented benign lesions that do not turn into cancer in the skin. Although they do not carry the risk of malignant transformation, prolonged ultraviolet ray exposure can cause DNA damage on the skin surface. Therefore, although sunspots do not directly turn into cancer cells, UV damage should not be ignored. Sunspots can disappear with topical lightening agents (retinoic acid, vitamin C, azelaic acid), chemical peelings (AHA, BHA), and laser or light treatments. The structure, size of the spot, and the patient's skin type play an important role in the treatment of the spot. Care should be taken to protect from the sun during and after the treatment process. Topical acid derivative exfoliating products can be used to remove spots. The long-term use of such chemical peeling-effective products should be carried out under physician control. As long as UV exposure continues, sunspots may recur. The skin tends to recolor in areas where it has previously produced increased pigmentation. UV exposure should be avoided after treatment, and protective measures should be taken. Laser treatments are quite effective in the treatment of sunspots. These systems aim to provide color equality by breaking down melanin accumulation. Although natural ingredients (aloe vera, green tea, apple cider vinegar) are widely used among the public, their effectiveness has not been proven scientifically. Incorrect application of these products can cause skin irritation and an increase in spots. Protecting from the sun is the most effective way to prevent the formation of sunspots. Spot formation can be prevented with chemical and physical protective measures. In case of suspicion of sunspots, it is recommended to consult a dermatology specialist.

Sunspots can affect your skin health as well as aesthetic concerns. It is extremely important to take the right precautions in the early period and determine appropriate treatment methods with expert support.

If you want to learn the most effective solutions for sunspots on your skin and create a personalized treatment plan, you can meet with our Hisar Hospital Dermatology Specialists.

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