How Dermatologists Correct Spots on Your Skin
The skin is one thing many people obsess about. Some even took a whole lot of time to do their 10-step skincare routine to make their skin look flawless. Even with this incredible kind of caution, blemishes and spots on the skin are unavoidable to Aussies, especially with the erratic weather.
If you have either white, red, or dark spots, you are not alone. While these discolorations are often not dangerous, it’s still best to see your trusted dermatologist. They can help you cure your spots and advise the best treatment for you.
Kinds of Spots
1. White Spots
These are results of depigmentation or color loss. They are common to people who lack Vitamin D and Vitamin E intake.
White spots are often:
Sunspots
Excessive exposure to everything is unhealthy. Same with sunlight, it can have an unexpected effect on your skin. Sunspots can also appear from extended tanning bed use. These are more common to white blokes but can appear on anyone. Most sunspots are benign and painless.
Tinea versicolor
One of the most common fungal infections, tinea versicolor shows up as white spots on your skin. It can also appear as pink, red or brown. Though common in people living in tropical countries, it can affect anyone.
Vitiligo
Due to the loss of melanocytes, this autoimmune disorder leaves white patches on the skin. The extent and rate of vitiligo can be unpredictable. Even superstars like Michael Jackson can be affected by vitiligo.
Milia
Found around the eye, nose, and cheek area, milia are small white bumps that are common to newborn babies. They can cause discomfort but are generally painless and harmless.
Milia can be categorized into two: primary and secondary. Primary milia appear when keratin is trapped under the skin, while secondary milia are the result of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.
2. Red Spots
Red spots are invariably the most common skin problem. Most of the time, these spots are itchy, painful, and swollen. Unlike white spots, red spots can pose serious harm to your skin. Since most red spots are painful, shy away from self-medicating them and seek medical advice immediately.
Acne
Among all skin disorders, this is one we can all relate to. Acne is a skin condition that happens to almost everyone during adolescence. Clog oil in the sebaceous gland is one of the many causes of acne.
Atopic eczema
This is also known as atopic dermatitis. Unlike the other types of spots this is a long-term condition most people suffer from.
Rosacea
It is a condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. Rosacea can often be mistaken for acne or other skin problems. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps.
3. Dark Spots
Our skin produces melanin to counteract the effects of harmful UV rays. Melanin is the hormone that gives color to the eyes, and hair. The result of excessive melanin is hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This is a skin discoloration resulted in an inflammatory lesion, like acne, scars, and wounds. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can easily be cured by laser and peeling treatments.
Linea nigra
When one gets pregnant, a dark, vertical line appears lengthwise down the middle of the abdomen. For some mothers, this is nothing to worry about since this fades over time.
Solar Lentigos
This is also caused by the sun’s rays. It is a result of melanocytes multiplying because of UV radiation. It is also known as an aged spot and is more come to people aged 40 and above.
Treatment for Spots
When you see spots on your face, you always worry and try the best ways to remove them. Whether it’s a white, red, or dark spot, it’s best to ask your dermatologist about the proper ways to treat and remedy these spots.
These are some procedures and treatments your skin doctor does to your skin:
Topical Treatments
There are bleaching creams that your dermatologist will prescribe to gradually eliminate your spots. This is not a one-time solution and would take a couple of months to see the effects.
Cosmetic Procedures
Most often, these procedures are used to enhance the aesthetic value of the skin. Some procedures may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Laser Treatment
In this procedure, the skin doctor uses concentrated light energy, which burns dark spots off.
Chemical Peels
With the help of salicylic acid and glycolic acid, the doctor administers chemical peels to reveal a healthier and more evenly toned skin
Light Therapy
Eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, itchy skin and other skin conditions can be cured through phototherapy. This treatment involves using UV light – a kind of light present in sunlight- to prevent skin cell inflammation and growth.
Cryotherapy
Known as cold therapy, cryotherapy is a technique where extremely low temperatures are applied to the body for several minutes. This therapy can be administered in a specific region of the body or the whole body. Localized cryotherapy is a common first aid for some injuries. Here, ice packs, ice massages, and coolants are used to ease and alleviate the symptoms of the injury.
Destruction Curettage
Involves the process of scraping the skin with a curette to remove skin tissue. It is commonly used to scrape away skin lesions.
Microdermabrasion
This is another well-known exfoliating treatment for hyperpigmentation that uses tiny particles to sand away dead skin. Microdermabrasion is best for milder hyperpigmentation conditions since the results are modest in terms of improving the appearance of skin discoloration.
Spots no more!
Though spots are deemed to be harmless, it is in your best interest to seek professional and medical advice. More than anything, a good and glowing skin boosts your confidence to do more and be more. Finding the right skin treatments in Sydney can have a significant impact on your well-being. Pymble Dermatology prides itself on innovative skincare technologies for you. For enquiries, contact us by calling 028 0685 006.