In many people, the process of pigmentation is disturbed over the course of life. This is evidenced by the appearance of dark spots on the back. Regardless of the shape, size and shade of the neoplasm, its removal will not lead to a positive result if the root cause of its occurrence is not eliminated. It is important to understand that a dark spot on the back (a photo of the defect is presented below) is a reason to consult a dermatologist. This is due to the fact that pigmentation may indicate the development of serious pathologies.
General information
Melanin is produced in the human body. This is a pigment responsible for forming a kind of barrier that protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
As soon as the sun's rays hit the human skin, specialized cells are activated and start the process of producing melanin. This is how a tan appears. However, the process of pigment production can be disrupted under the influence of various provoking factors. As a result, on the skindark spots can be found. Their color can be dirty yellow, beige or brown. Such dark spots on the back of a child or an adult indicate, as a rule, the presence of a pathological process in the body.
Causes of occurrence
Pigmentation disorders never happen on their own. If dark spots appear on the back, the following diseases and conditions may be provoking factors:
- Increased sensitivity to UV rays. In such situations, a person burns out even with a short stay in the sun. After that, dark spots appear on his body (back, stomach, face), which can be either flat or convex.
- Disruption of the endocrine system. In such cases, dark spots on the back are called chloasma. Their formation is due, as a rule, to excessive production of hormones. A similar condition occurs against the background of pregnancy, menopause, after the process of delivery. Also at risk are women taking combined oral contraceptives.
- Natural aging processes. Against this background, the production of melatonin is also disrupted, due to which dark spots can appear not only on the back, but throughout the body.
- Lack of vitamins A and C in the body. In such cases, as a rule, a dark spot on the back is of a single nature. Its color is bright brown.
- Melanoma. This term refers to skin cancer. This is the most dangerous cause of increased pigmentation. Whereindark spots on the back look like a bruise, they are unevenly colored and have asymmetric edges. Neoplasms may also be gray or black.
- Angioma of the spinal cord. In such situations, the spots can also look like a bruise. This pathology is a benign tumor that affects the spinal cord and the vascular wall adjacent to it.
- Pathologies of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
- Gynecological diseases.
The appearance of dark spots on the back does not always indicate a serious pathology. In some cases, they occur against the background of long-term use of medicines and after poor-quality cosmetic procedures, such as body wraps. In addition, dark acne spots may appear on the back. In this case, it is recommended to contact a beautician who will help eliminate the defects.
Associated symptoms
The appearance of neoplasms can worsen the quality of a person's life, but not his general well-being. The only sign that may appear against the background of the appearance of dark spots on the back is itching. But at the same time, it is important to know that it is impossible to injure neoplasms with nails or improvised means.
If a dark spot itches on the back, the reasons may be as follows:
- Avitaminosis.
- Taking hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives.
- Extended sun exposure.
- Wearing tight clothing made fromsynthetic fabrics. In such cases, dark spots on the back are not only itchy, but also flaky.
- Accession and active life of an infectious agent.
If itching is persistent and severe, a visit to the doctor is unacceptable.
Diagnosis
When dark spots appear on the skin on the back, you need to consult a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an initial diagnosis and issue a referral for a comprehensive examination. Based on the results obtained, he will draw up the most effective treatment regimen (if the cause of the spots is a pathological process).
Primary diagnosis consists of interviewing and examining the patient. The doctor needs to provide information on how long the dark spots on the back appeared, whether any accompanying symptoms are bothering, whether there is a place to be treated with medications at the present time. After that, the specialist examines the neoplasms and makes a preliminary diagnosis.
The following studies are assigned to confirm it:
- Dermatoscopy.
- Scraping.
- Clinical blood test.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor may additionally refer the patient for a consultation with an endocrinologist, allergist or oncologist.
Medicated treatment
Currently, there are many products on the pharmaceutical market that can lighten or even get rid of age spots. However, even the mostharmless, at first glance, drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor based on the results of the diagnosis. If a person develops a serious pathological process in the body, self-medication will only aggravate the situation.
Most effective medicines:
- "Hydroquinone". The active components of the drug prevent the production of melanin, so that the existing spots gradually become lighter.
- "Retinol". Effective against spots that appeared after acne. In addition, active substances help to improve metabolic processes in the skin.
- Skinoren. Designed to combat increased pigmentation that has arisen against the background of acne and the active life of a fungal infection.
- "Clotrimazole". Has a whitening effect. Effective against fungi.
- Ointment "Zinc". It is not capable of causing allergic reactions, due to which it can be used even during pregnancy.
- Sulfur ointment. Has an exfoliating effect. Promotes the removal of the upper layer of the epithelium along with dark spots.
As a rule, such products should be used 1-2 times a day until the defect disappears completely.
Cosmetics
Currently, the following gels and serums are considered the most effective:
- EVEN OUT (Oriflame). This is a remedy with which you can get rid of dark age spots on your back at home.
- Luminosity PRO (AVON). It is sold in the form of a gel and serum. Designed to even out skin tone and lighten existing dark spots.
- Vichy corrective serum. Implemented in pharmacy chains. Helps to completely get rid of age spots all over the body.
It is important to remember that the use of cosmetics does not exclude the need to see a doctor. Such funds should be used simultaneously with drug treatment.
Hardware cosmetology
Pigmentation does not disappear after successful root cause therapy. You can get rid of them not only at home, but also in the office of a beautician.
Specialists identify the following procedures as the most effective:
- Cryotherapy.
- Laser treatment.
- Chemical peel.
- Ultrasound treatment.
- Microdermabrasion.
All of the above methods contribute to skin whitening. In addition, during their conduction, the upper layer of the epithelium is removed, which starts the regeneration processes.
Prevention
After successful treatment, it is important to prevent the recurrence of dark spots on the back. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations of doctors:
- Limit exposure to harsh sunlight. In summer, the most dangerous period is considered to be the period from 10 am to 5 pm.
- It is necessary to use cosmetic products containing sun protection factor. On the labels, it is marked with the letters SPF. The higher the protection factor, the better. It is recommended to use such products not only in summer, but also in winter.
- The diet should be complete.
- Treat all identified pathologies in a timely manner.
- Do not exceed the time spent in the solarium. This procedure involves the use of ultraviolet radiation.
- Acceptance of any hormonal drugs should be strictly controlled by a doctor.
The above recommendations also apply to the primary prevention of dark spots on the back.
In conclusion
Any neoplasms on the skin should alert, especially if they are accompanied by severe itching. Dark spots on the back do not always indicate the presence of pathology in the body, but in order to exclude diseases, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an initial diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.