For many people, pigmentation is disrupted over the course of their lives. 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 (photo of the defect is presented below) is an occasion to consult a dermatologist. This is due to the fact that pigmentation can indicate the development of serious pathologies.
General information
In the body of each person, the production of melanin occurs. This is the pigment responsible for the formation of a kind of barrier that protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
As soon as the sun's rays reach the skin of a person, specialized cells are activated and start the process of melanin production. This is how a tan appears. However, the process of pigment production may be disturbed by various provoking factors. As a result, dark spots can be detected on the skin. Their color may be dirty yellow, beige or brown. Similar dark spots on the back of a child or adult indicate, as a rule, the presence of a pathological process in the body.
Causes of occurrence
Pigmentation disorder never occurs on its own. If dark spots appear on the back, the following diseases and conditions may be provoking factors:
- Increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. In such situations, a person burns out even during a short stay in the sun. After that, dark spots appear on his body (back, stomach, face), which can be either flat or convex in nature.
- Disruption of the endocrine system. In such cases, dark spots on the back are called chloasma. Their formation is usually caused by excessive production of hormones. A similar condition occurs against the background of pregnancy, menopause, after the delivery process. Also at risk are women who take 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 also throughout the body.
- The deficiency of vitamins A and C in the body. In such cases, as a rule, a dark spot on the back is single. Its color is bright brown.
- Melanoma. This term refers to skin cancer. This is the most dangerous cause of increased pigmentation. In this case, dark spots on the back look like a bruise, they are colored unevenly and have asymmetric edges. Neoplasms may also have a gray or black color.
- Angioma of the spinal cord. In such situations, 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.
- Pathology 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 prolonged use of drugs and after poorly performed cosmetic procedures, for example, wraps. In addition, dark spots from acne may appear on the back. In this case, it is recommended to consult a cosmetologist who will help eliminate defects.
Associated symptoms
The appearance of neoplasms can worsen a person’s quality of life, but not his general well-being. The only sign that can appear against the background of the appearance of dark spots on the back is itching. But it is important to know that it is impossible to injure with nails or improvised means of neoplasm.
If a dark spot itches on your back, the reasons may be the following:
- Avitaminosis.
- The use of hormonal drugs, including oral contraceptives.
- Long stay in the sun.
- Wearing tight clothing made from synthetic fabrics. In such cases, the dark spots on the back not only itch, but also peel off.
- Accession and active life of an infectious agent.
If the itching is constant and pronounced, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed.
Diagnostics
If dark spots appear on the skin on the back, consult a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct the initial diagnosis and draw up a referral for a comprehensive examination. Based on the results, he will make the most effective treatment regimen (if the cause of the spots is a pathological process).
The primary diagnosis is to interview and examine the patient. The doctor needs to provide information on how long ago dark spots appeared on the back, whether any associated symptoms are bothering, and whether medication is currently taking place. After that, the specialist examines the neoplasms and makes a preliminary diagnosis.
To confirm it, the following studies are prescribed:
- Dermatoscopy
- Scraping.
- Clinical blood test.
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor can additionally refer the patient to a consultation with an endocrinologist, allergist or oncologist.
Drug treatment
Currently, the pharmaceutical market is selling many products that can lighten or completely eliminate age spots. However, even the most harmless, at first glance, drugs should be prescribed only by a doctor on the basis of diagnostic results. If a person develops a serious pathological process in the body, self-medication will only aggravate the situation.
The most effective medications:
- "Hydroquinone." The active components of the drug prevent the production of melanin, so that existing spots gradually become lighter.
- Retinol. Effective against acne spots. In addition, active substances contribute to the improvement of metabolic processes in the skin.
- "Skinoren." Designed to combat increased pigmentation that has arisen against the background of acne and active fungal infections.
- "Clotrimazole." It has a whitening effect. Effective against fungi.
- Ointment "Zinc". Not able to cause allergic reactions, due to which it can be used even during pregnancy.
- Ointment "Sulfur". It has an exfoliating effect. Helps to remove the upper layer of the epithelium along with dark spots.
As a rule, such funds must be used 1-2 times a day until the defect disappears completely.
Cosmetical tools
Currently, the following gels and serums are considered the most effective:
- EVEN OUT (Oriflame). This is a tool with which you can get rid of dark age spots on your back at home.
- Luminosity PRO (AVON). It is realized in the form of a gel and serum. Designed to even out skin color and brighten existing dark spots.
- Corrector Serum from Vichy. It is implemented in pharmacy chains. Helps to completely get rid of age spots throughout the body.
It is important to remember that the use of cosmetics does not exclude the need to consult a doctor. Similar remedies should be used simultaneously with drug treatment.
Hardware cosmetology
The age spots do not disappear after a successful treatment of the root cause. You can get rid of them not only at home, but also in the cosmetologist’s office.
Specialists distinguish the following procedures as the most effective:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser treatment.
- Chemical peeling.
- Ultrasound treatment.
- Microdermabrasion.
All of the above methods contribute to whitening the skin. In addition, during their conduct, the upper layer of the epithelium is removed, which triggers the regeneration processes.
Prevention
After successful treatment, it is important to prevent the recurrence of dark spots on the back. To do this, follow the following recommendations of doctors:
- Limit exposure to aggressive sunlight. In summer, the most dangerous period is from 10 to 17 hours.
- It is necessary to use cosmetics containing sunscreen factor. On the labels it is marked with the letters SPF. The higher the protection factor, the better. Using such products is recommended not only in summer but also in winter.
- The diet should be full.
- Timely treat all identified pathologies.
- Do not exceed the time spent in the solarium. A similar procedure involves the use of ultraviolet radiation.
- The intake 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.
Finally
Any neoplasms on the skin should be 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 to exclude diseases, you need to consult a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an initial diagnosis and prescribe treatment if necessary.