Dark spots are one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist, especially in sunny places like the Costa del Sol. Most are harmless, but it is important to have them checked, because some lesions that look like simple spots may need further assessment.
Most common types
- Sun spots (solar lentigines): brown spots on the face, chest, hands and arms caused by accumulated sun exposure.
- Melasma: symmetrical brown patches on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip, more common in women. Sun, hormones (pregnancy, the contraceptive pill) and genetics all play a part.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: marks left after a spot, wound or irritation, especially in darker skin.
Treatment
- Daily sun protection: the foundation of any treatment. Without it, the spots come back.
- Depigmenting creams tailored to each type of spot and skin.
- Oral treatment in some cases of melasma.
- Laser for selected sun spots (cryotherapy is also available in Gibraltar).
Melasma is a long-term condition: it can be controlled very well, but it needs consistency and sun protection all year round.
When to see a dermatologist
If a spot changes shape, colour or size, bleeds or looks different from the others, get it checked promptly. Dermoscopy helps tell a harmless spot from a lesion that needs treatment.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation.
