How to Avoid Sun-Related Skin Spots

A dermatology specialist, Dr. Enkhjargal (Egi) Losol, emphasizes that undesired spots can form on the skin without proper sun protection measures, and has provided information on precautions to take against skin pigmentation during these hot and sunny summer days when many people are planning vacations.

Most common: lentigo, freckles and melasma

Specialist Dr. Egi Losol notes that sun spots, known in medical terminology as 'lentigo,' typically become more prevalent after age 35-40, and continues with the following explanation: "Sun spots are a type of lesion frequently confused with freckles. However, they are distinguishable because they are larger in size and darker in color compared to freckles. Lentigos appear particularly in light-eyed and fair-skinned individuals in areas with the most sun exposure, such as the back of the hands, face, shoulders and back, and become lighter in color during winter months and darker in summer due to sun exposure. These lesions with sharp, well-defined borders commonly appear on the skin immediately following acute sunburn."

Freckles are more prevalent in blondes and fair-skinned individuals

Specialist Dr. Losol also comments on freckles, another common type of spot: "Because freckles are genetically based, they typically appear as sharply demarcated small light brown lesions, most commonly seen on the bridge of the nose, cheeks and forehead from early childhood in blonde, fair-skinned, light-eyed or red-haired individuals. Freckles have no potential to develop into cancer. However, individuals with this skin type have greater sun sensitivity, and unfortunately when exposed to sun rays without control, their risk of developing other malignant cancers increases."

Melasma appears in darker skin types

"Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark spots that appear in sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face. The form that appears during pregnancy is called chloasma or pregnancy mask. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun, as well as visible blue light emitted from fluorescent lamps, computers and mobile phones, stimulates melanin pigment production from melanocyte cells that produce our skin color, leading to darkening and pigmentation of the spots. Certain medications, pregnancy, hormone treatments such as oral contraceptives, and inappropriate cosmetic products can trigger melanin production, resulting in increased spots or a predisposition to pigmentation. Because melanocyte cells are more active, melasma is seen more frequently in individuals with darker skin types."

Some sun spots can be confused with 'lentigo maligna,' a type of skin cancer

Specialist Dr. Losol emphasizes that lentigo, freckles and melasma do not carry a risk of malignant transformation, and therefore their treatment is performed for cosmetic purposes. However, as some sun spots can be confused with a type of skin cancer called 'lentigo maligna,' he warns that rapidly growing spots should be examined by dermatology specialists using dermoscopy to properly distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.

Treatments yield better results in newly appearing spots

Specialist Dr. Losol notes that when unexpected changes such as color irregularity, shape asymmetry, or sudden changes in size and shape develop in an existing spot, one should consult a dermatology specialist without delay, and conveys the following: "Regardless of the spot type, sunscreen is essential for all spot treatments. Both during and after treatment, even if you are indoors year-round, you need to protect yourself very well from the sun. In the case of malignant lesions, treatment is surgical. However, in the case of appropriate skin spots, treatment varies from person to person and depends on the type, depth and duration of the spot, and is performed using various methods such as laser, chemical peeling, PRP, mesotherapy and enzyme therapy. Treatments yield better results in newly appearing spots, and while superficial spots are easily eliminated with treatment, persistent treatment may be necessary for deep spots."