Photo: everydayhealth.com Pigment spots on the hands are a common problem that causes a person some inconvenience and self-doubt. In most cases, its appearance is caused by age-related changes occurring in the body, but other provoking factors should not be excluded.
Pigmentation on the hands can vary, both in color and size. It can occur on the hands, forearms and elbows. The edges of the “islands” are in most cases uneven. In addition, changes in shade can occur both in the upper layers of fabrics and much deeper. And in the second case, coping with it can be much more difficult. At the same time, the decisive factor on which the choice of method of influencing the epidermis to even out its tone depends is its color, which can be either different shades of brown or completely white.
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Causes of age spots on hands
Brown pigment spots on hands
The reasons for the appearance of dark pigmentation on the hands, and subsequently the methods for treating it, are different. In most cases, factors contributing to the manifestation of this disease can be called:
- solar or ultraviolet exposure, during which epidermal cells are damaged and the process of melanin production fails;
- age-related changes, which also lead to disruption of cell function, and therefore the production of the optimal amount of melanin;
- genetic predisposition;
- frequent contacts with potent chemical substances;
- use of low-quality cosmetics;
- disruption of the functioning of internal organs, and most often the gastrointestinal tract;
- hormonal imbalance;
- insufficient amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements required for normal functioning of the body.
White pigment spots on hands
The main cause of white pigmentation on the hands, which in medicine is called hypopigmentation, is the lack of melanin production by cells in this area of tissue. This phenomenon can be either congenital or acquired, and can be caused by various diseases, namely:
- vitiligo – destruction of melanocytes due to improper functioning of the immune system;
- pityriasis versicolor or fungus;
- idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, which is a congenital disease that begins to manifest itself with age;
- a pigmentless nevus or a light area of tissue that is present on the human body from birth, and which can lead to the formation of a tumor;
- Lichen alba is a non-dangerous disease characterized by the appearance of small, light, scaly areas with unclear contours. Goes away on its own over time.
Thus, only a doctor after a full medical examination can answer the question of what causes white or brown pigmentation on the hands. It is almost impossible to independently find out the reason for the change in skin tone.
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Age spots: what are they?
Any local changes in skin color are a consequence of an excess or, conversely, deficiency of the melanin pigment. And he gives us:
- beautiful tan;
- charming freckles;
- flirty moles.
Pigment spots are only an external manifestation of the activity of melanin, which has a very serious mission - to protect skin cells from damage (in particular, as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation). When the protection weakens, the risk of cell injury increases and, as a result, the appearance of new growths on the skin.
The instability of melanin, which either shoots out dark spots or suddenly disappears, indicates a violation of this protection.
Pigment spots are a consequence of an excess or, conversely, deficiency of the melanin pigment. © iStock
When to see a doctor
The fact that dark pigmentation on the hands can appear not only after 45 years, but at a younger age, makes the fact of going to the doctor with such a problem very common. Dark or light on a part of a person’s body that is open to prying eyes is not just personal discomfort, but the formation of a complex.
And going to see a doctor is the right decision, since independently determining the cause of the defect, and even more so the method of treating it, is almost impossible. In most cases, in addition to external influence on areas of the epidermis that are different in color, a more serious approach is required - taking medications.
How to remove age spots on hands
After pigmentation has appeared on the hands, you need to choose the right method of exposure to even out the shade of the epidermis. Dealing with brown defects is easier than dealing with a complete lack of skin color. Depending on the type and intensity of these manifestations, a person can decide for himself whether to eliminate the problem at home, seek help from a cosmetologist, or go straight to the clinic. Basically, the solution to the problem is to:
- taking medications;
- the use of special creams;
- turning to traditional medicine recipes;
- balanced proper nutrition;
- carrying out salon procedures;
- surgical intervention.
Very rarely, evening out the color of the epidermis is possible only by transplanting its cells or entire sections. In most cases, this disease is treated without surgical intervention.
Hand creams for age spots
The action of such creams is aimed at lightening the epidermis. The most commonly used cream options include:
- melanative;
- clotrimazole;
- skinoren.
These formulations are based on substances such as tretinol or hydroquinone, which are supplemented with arbutin or carotene. Fruit acids are often added to formulations for such purposes. But it must be remembered that any of the included components can cause an allergic reaction and before direct use it must be tested on a small area of the body.
Diet
Switching to proper nutrition has a beneficial effect on eliminating pigmentation of the hands, elbows and forearms. First of all, it must be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements that are required for the normal functioning of the body. In order to ensure this, you need to exclude a large number of fatty and fried foods from the diet, introduce more vegetables and fruits, fish, lean meats and dairy products. This will help reduce the load on the liver and allow it to fully cope with the function of removing carcinogens, which largely determines the appearance of the skin.
Medicines
If the causes of skin pigmentation on the hands are disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, then getting rid of existing diseases can be called paramount. Most often, when dark or light areas of the epidermis appear, the kidneys and liver need support at the same time. Treatment of the endocrine system and stimulation of the body’s general immunity are also very often required. After a complete examination, the doctor will prescribe a course of taking certain medications. The larger the number of organs that fail to cope with their work, the larger the list.
After completing a course of treatment and eliminating problems associated with disruption of the internal organs, existing dark or light spots will not disappear on their own. Additional procedures may be required to even out the color. Depending on the existing defect, these procedures can be carried out at home using special products, or you can contact a cosmetologist who will select a list of procedures that will simultaneously quickly and effectively help cope with the existing problem.
How to withdraw by hand
Removal of pigment spots can be done in the salon and at home. A review of possible methods will help you choose a cleansing that suits your price and skin type.
At home
You can remove age spots on the body and hands efficiently at home. There are a huge number of folk recipes that help lighten stains by several tones or completely get rid of them.
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Effective natural brighteners are lemon, cucumber, and parsley. Soak cotton wool in lemon juice and apply locally for two months, 2 times a day, which will significantly whiten dark spots. Finely chop the cucumber and spread the resulting paste on your hands, hold for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. It is good to wipe the affected areas of the skin with a decoction of parsley.
A mask based on ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and cottage cheese has excellent whitening properties. Mix the ingredients in the amount of ¼ teaspoon of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and 40 g of cottage cheese, apply the composition to your hands, put on gloves and wrap with a towel. Wait 20 minutes, then wash off.
You can fight age spots on your hands with black radish. Apply grated radish to brown spots for 25 minutes, before lubricating your hands with cream and rinsing with milk.
Castor oil will make your hands clean, soft and glowing. The oil is rubbed daily into the skin with age spots, after absorption, cotton gloves are put on and left for an hour. Conditions of use: not recommended for children under one year old and pregnant women.
To get rid of pigmentation on your hands, you can use peelings, scrubs containing salt and soda, which help remove dead skin particles from the epidermis, cleanse pores, and speed up skin regeneration. Dilute 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 5 tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of warm water, mix thoroughly, apply the resulting white ointment daily to problem areas. Take 2 teaspoons of salt, add 2 drops of iodine and water, apply the scrub with massaging movements. It is good to treat the upper part of the hand, fingers, palm, and then leave to dry for 5 minutes, then rinse.
Pharmacy badyaga powder is a proven remedy for removing age spots on the hands. It is mixed with hydrogen peroxide or vegetable oil until a paste forms, the resulting mixture is rubbed into problem areas, left for 15 minutes (it may sting a little). Then wash off with water. After the procedure, apply cream to the skin. A boiled buckwheat mask will help moisturize your hands.
Folk remedies should be chosen individually; if the skin begins to itch or a burning sensation appears, you should stop using this recipe due to the allergic reaction caused.
Cosmetology procedures
Salon cosmetology procedures contribute to achieving a faster effect (compared to traditional recipes).
The most common ways to remove age spots on hands in cosmetology are:
- Chemical or ultrasonic peeling. The main components can be fruit, azelaic, glycolic acids and others. They affect pigmentation from the inside, remove the top dead layer of skin, which helps get rid of pigmentation. Ultrasonic peeling is performed with a special device; drugs are introduced into the epidermis to regenerate and whiten the skin.
- Laser treatment – a laser beam targets the area where melanin accumulates and removes the surface layer of skin. After the laser action, the pigment spots darken, then the skin in this area peels off and acquires an even color. This procedure not only brightens, but also removes fine wrinkles and gives the skin elasticity.
- Phototherapy - a device is used that produces light pulses that act strictly on the spot and destroy cells with high levels of melanin.
- Cryoapplication – burning with liquid nitrogen. This is, according to reviews, a very effective remedy in the fight against age spots on the hands.
The effectiveness of salon procedures
Today, almost all cosmetology offices and dermatology clinics are equipped with special equipment and preparations, the action of which is aimed at quickly and effectively combating age spots on the hands. One of the most common procedures is laser stain removal. This method is absolutely safe and effective, and also has virtually no contraindications.
Less effective, but at the same time more affordable methods are removing age spots on the hands with liquid nitrogen, infrared treatment or peeling, which is based on fruit acids. The choice of removal method is made by a cosmetologist or dermatologist, depending on:
- localization of the problem area;
- shape, size and number of spots;
- reasons that caused the problem to occur.
Natura Siberica
This is a Russian brand offering cosmetic products made from organic ingredients.
Natura Siberica offers:
- night mask with whitening effect;
- foam for washing;
- tonic;
- daily cream;
- peeling agent.
Thanks to a wide range of products, everyone can choose the right product for themselves. They help in cases where the disorder occurs due to age-related changes.
In addition to the whitening effect, the product provides:
- cleansing;
- hydration;
- softening the cover.
The main substance differs depending on the type of product:
- sea buckthorn;
- raspberries;
- fir oil;
- extracts of cloudberry and other medicinal plants.
The method of application depends on the purpose for which the cosmetic composition is intended.
It will take about 2 weeks to feel the effects.
Prevention
In order for pigmentation on the hands and forearms to remain unaffected by the problem, it is necessary to observe certain precautions, the main ones of which include:
- moderate consumption of coffee and tea;
- timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- using only high-quality cosmetics;
- selection of sunscreens;
- moderate exposure to direct sunlight and visiting a solarium.
Thus, if such problems do arise, and it is not possible to solve the issue of pigmentation on the hands at home, you need to consult a dermatologist. He, in turn, after examination and medical examination, will prescribe the optimal course of therapy and give all the required recommendations that will need to be followed in the future.
Interesting facts about pigmentation
- Turning to traditional medicine can also help cope with the presence of brown pigment spots. So, for example, mixing a few drops of lemon juice with regular baby cream when applied in the morning and evening whitens the skin very well.
- Most often, the appearance of dark areas of skin due to hormonal imbalance occurs during pregnancy or taking hormonal medications.
- Positive reviews for the treatment of dark age spots on the hands include Idealia PRO from Vichy and Achromin from Alen Mak-Bulgaria.
How do medicated whitening products work?
A remedy for age spots on the face, purchased at a pharmacy, has several advantages over cosmetic products. Medicines undergo clinical trials, so the effect of the active substance is ensured and prescribed in the instructions.
The drug acts on the mechanism of occurrence of the disorder, and does not mask the disorder. The third, important factor is that you can choose an ointment that will have a significantly lower cost compared to beauty industry products.
Medicines act on the cells responsible for the synthesis of melanin, destroying them and reducing their activity. Thanks to this, less pigment accumulates under the skin, and the drug gradually reduces the intensity of coloring of problem areas. This process requires less time than with cosmetic products.
