TYPES OF SKIN BLEMISHES

There is a key time of year when we seem to pay more attention to skin blemishes. It’s usually the end of summer, when excessive sunshine has taken its toll. But it is not the only one to pay attention to. Blemishes have a very varied timeline, whether due to overexposure, autoimmune disorders, hormonal alterations, or genetic factors. We explain in detail what types of blemishes there are, how to differentiate them, how to identify them, and how to know if they could pose risks or if they are merely an aesthetic nuisance.

All of them involve skin pigmentation, either lighter or darker. So, the first general classification of skin blemishes would be as follows: hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

The former, hyperpigmentation, is due to an overproduction of melanin, i.e. it causes dark spots on the skin. The latter, hypopigmentation, on the contrary, causes light spots. Neither dark skin nor light skin is affected directly by any one of them, but some are more sensitive than the other. Pay attention because we are going to talk about hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation spots

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Freckles or ephelides

Common and easy to recognize. They are small brown spots on the skin, caused by micro-injuries due to pigment accumulation. They are more common on lighter skin, and they are only an aesthetic problem. In other words, they pose no health risks.
Why do they appear? There are two culprits: either a genetic mutation of chromosome 4 or the sun.

Moles or nevi

They are melanocyte neoformations. That is when melanocytes "pile up". They are flat although they may be raised and have different shades. They range from brown, brownish, or black and may appear from birth or emerge over time. They are usually circular in shape but can also vary in size and even change color and texture. And of course, they require examination by a dermatologist as many of these spots can be dangerous and evolve into melanoma.

Their origin: either congenital, i.e., from birth - although this is rare - or due to hormonal factors. Therefore, puberty and pregnancy are two times when moles appear more frequently.

Age spots or lentigo simplex on the skin

Another type of dark spot on the skin, smaller, brown, similar to freckles, sometimes larger and resembling a lentil. Their size, up to 2 cm (about 0.79 in). They are usually benign but not very aesthetically pleasing, although it is advisable to have them checked by a dermatologist to rule out risks.

What causes them? A hormonal alteration that can be accentuated by excessive sun exposure and other sources of UV light are the main causes.

Sunspots or solar lentigo

These skin spots, also shaped like lentils, are very similar to age spots but they are caused by the sun. They are flat but with a very sharp edge and a light brown color. They can sometimes be confused with freckles because of their size and the main way to avoid them is to use high sun protection.

Their origin: The same as age spots.

Melasma

These disorders occur mainly in women (about 90% of cases are female). They are flat, irregular and brownish variations. They usually appear when a woman is pregnant (not always) and are usually temporary melasmas that resolve after childbirth. If after giving birth the dark spots persist on the skin, they become a melasma, there are three types of melasma:

Epidermal melasma. When melanin is concentrated at the base of the skin. It can be recognized by having very defined borders and usually appears in the central part of the face.

Dermal melasma. When melanin is concentrated in the superficial levels of the skin. They have more blurred edges and appear on the cheekbones.

Mixed melasma. A mixture of the characteristics of the two previous ones.

Origin: In addition to pregnancy, there are other reasons that can cause the appearance of melasma. Among them, oral contraceptives are also triggers of melasma.

But what happens when hypopigmentation occurs, and skin spots turn from brown to white? You can find the following.

Vitiligo

It appears most commonly in people with darker skin, and this is no longer just a blemish, but a disease. You'll be familiar with model Winnie Harlow, who has made her illness her main positive focus. They are perfectly defined large white patches and appear on the face (mouth, nose, eyelids) but also on the rest of the body. It can appear at any age, it’s not contagious, and it is simply an aesthetic problem because it does not entail any additional risk, pain, or itching.

The cause of its appearance: an autoimmune system failure, although it can also be caused by a congenital factor.

Pityriasis Alba

It appears from childhood and is one of the most common skin blemishes, especially in children with darker skin, in the face and neck area. It can disappear with time and only requires one fundamental treatment: continuous moisturizing of the skin.

What causes it? It can be caused by the weather itself (summer or very humid climates) or by chemical aggressions such as the perfumes contained in some cosmetics or detergents.

Now you know a little more about the different types of skin blemishes and what causes them.