Brown spots are one of the most ominous things to notice on our skin, and while some may merely be age spots, these blemishes have the potential of being cancerous. Dark spots develop over time, hence the name age spots, but they can also show up quite sporadically or without cause.
These spots develop when that particular area of the skin is producing too much melanin which is the natural pigment that gives skin its color. Brown spots generally appear on areas of your skin that are often exposed to the sun such as:
- The Face
- Hands
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Feet
Because these age spots are so similar in appearance to melanomas (occurs when pigment-producing cells become cancerous), biopsies and additional testing of the brown spot may be necessary. Non-cancerous brown spots are harmless and do not require treatment, but many patients seek treatment for peace of mind and cosmetic purposes.
For this reason, the treatment options for non-cancerous brown spots include:
- Topical creams: These creams can lighten brown spots over time but must be prescribed by a professional.
- Cryotherapy: For this procedure, we apply liquid nitrogen to the affected area to freeze the tissue, causing the dark spot to fade.
- Chemical Peel: With this treatment, we apply a chemical solution to the face or affected area, causing the top layers of the skin to peel off to remove the brown spot.
- Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive abrasion method exfoliates the skin and can remove the top layers of skin, reducing the color of the brown spot.
The earlier you detect skin diseases, brown spots, or potentially cancerous growths, the more treatment options are available to you. For more information on dark spots or to request an appointment, please don't hesitate to contact us today at (864) 757-8500.