Brown Spots
Brown spots , otherwise known as photopigmentation, are the result of years of exposure to UV radiation, causing oxidative damage, leading to loss of moisture retention, loss of elasticity, diffuse pigmentation changes, plus mutations in cellular DNA leading to the development of precancerous and cancerous leisons. Smokers will develop more extensive and severe sun damage , due to the extensive degradation of metalloproteins or building blocks of collagen, plus the pro carcinogenic effects of multiple chemicals present in cigarrette smoke
It is important to have a thorough inspection of areas of “brown spots “ by a physician, as pigmented leisons can run the gamut from benign solar lentigines, seborrhaeic keratoses, through atypical melanocytic naevi to outright malignant melanoma. Risk factors for skin cancer include multiple atypical naevi, a bad sunburn at a young age,use of sunbeds, family history of skin cancer
There are 3 main types of skin cancer;
- basal cell carcinoma --- which is most frequently seen in the triangular area bounded by the nose and eyes, and typically looks like an ulcer with pearly edges
- squamous cell carcinoma --- which appear as rough or warty leisons, typically on the temples or backs of the hands
- malignant melanoma --- which looks like a mole, and can occur anywhere on the body
Danger signs to watch out for in a mole or freckle are;
- uneven or changing pigmentation
- enlarging size
- uneven borders or satellite leisons
- bleeding or itching
All suspicious leisons should be biopsied to rule out cancer. At The Lazer Room, all patients are screened by Dr Hyland prior to embarking on treatment for brown spots, whether it be by a series of AFA peels or IPL (intense pulsed light).
Seborrhaeic and actinic keratoses are treated by cryotherapy.
Melasma /Cloasma a deep, diffuse blotchy pigmentation often associated with hormonal factors ( pregnancy, birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy) - responds poorly to IPL; can be significantly improved with AFA peels.
Pigmented leisons in darker skin types.
IPL should be used with caution, if at all, in type 4 skins, and never in darker skin. Due to the risk of blistering or permanent hypopigmentation. AFA peels have been demonstrated to be useful in treating uneven pigmentation in those skin types without causing irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.