Sunspots, stay inside.
Dermatology Dr Tathiana Antony gives Renewmed some guidance, advice, care and prevention.
Spots are changes in skin color that can appear at any age and have different shades. They represent a problem in the lives of men and women and can be of concern only because of the aesthetic factor or concern about the dreaded skin cancer.
The causes are various: changes in the production of melanin (skin pigment), exposure to the sun, infections (mycosis, viruses), hormonal disorders (chloasma), vascular changes and acne scars.
Freckles are spots caused mainly by a genetic tendency that manifests itself throughout life and can increase in cases where the person is inadequately exposed to the sun. They appear mainly in individuals with fair skin and red hair. They are located in areas exposed to the sun and are characterized by brown or brown round spots. People with this type of spots should avoid exposure to the sun, which will lighten them. However, some treatments can accelerate this process, such as the use of depigmenting substances combined with acids, peeling, intense pulsed light.
Phytophotomelanosis are the spots that appear when the skin that has been in contact with certain types of plants or citrus fruits (lemon, orange, tangerine) is exposed to the sun, as well as after contact with perfumes and soft drinks, in which case it is called photomelanosis. . Disappearance of spots can occur spontaneously and gradually, and depigmenting substances can also be used to accelerate whitening.
Chloasma and melasma are characterized by dark or brown spots on the face, especially on the cheeks, forehead, nose and temples. The initiating factor is exposure to the sun, but they also depend on genetic predisposition and hormonal changes characteristic of pregnancy or the use of hormones. The treatment is carried out through depigmenting substances and peeling. It can also respond well to laser. It is important to remember that exposure to the sun without protection can cause the stain to reappear.
Age spots or solar melanosis are characteristic of older people. However, they are not caused by age, but by damage caused by a lifetime of sun exposure. They are dark, brown, usually small. They appear only in the areas most exposed to the sun. In addition, they are more common in people with fairer skin. There are several treatment methods, such as cauterization, cryosurgery (cold nitrogen), dermabrasion, peeling and lasers, mainly fractional CO2.
When does a spot indicate skin cancer alert? Pay attention to the signs: spots that increase in size, itch or hurt can indicate something more significant than aesthetic concern.
Top spot treatments
Peeling with glycolic acid: this type of peeling requires five to seven sessions and is very good for spots and superficial blemishes. The method is gentle and brings only the feeling of dryness. Desquamation is moderate, but small scabs may form in some spots.
Retinoic peeling: the method requires three to seven sessions and can be used for spots, melasma, chloasma, post-acne spots, dark and white spots. The face is exfoliated for a week, but the exfoliation can be masked with moisturizing creams.
Peeling ATA (trichloroacetic acid): It requires only one session and is effective on spots, melanoses, keratoses, blemishes and post-acne scars. It leaves the skin with a rough brown crust for about 15 days and then pink skin for another 15 days. It needs intensive protection and sun restriction for two months. There is a risk of provoking spots in brunettes.
Depigmenting peeling with acid bonds: Melanesse / Melanoblock: excellent results on persistent spots and melasma, discrete peels and few sessions.
Fractional Co2 laser: After the session, the patient feels a slight discomfort and a feeling of heat. After 2-3 days the skin starts to melt. After peeling, the skin will have a pink tone that tends to disappear in approximately 20 days. 3-4 sessions can be performed.
More than any type of treatment, the most important factor in taking care of blemished skin is protection from UV rays. Even if you’re not at the beach or pool, use sunscreen regularly. Prevention is the best medicine.
Dr. Tathiana Antony
Dermatologist and doctor responsible for the Renewmed Clinic.
Phone 21-31837785
www.renewmed.com.br
