Brown Spots

How to Treat Brown Spots on Skin

Non-cancerous brown spots on the face can be caused by sun damage or may simply be a benign growth. Once it has been established that a facial brown spot is indeed a benign growth or sun damage, treatment may commence. Sometimes more than one treatment may be recommended. Treatments used to correct brown spots include the Palomar MaxG and 2940 erbium lasers, the Fraxel DUAL laser, Cutera Excel V, chemical peels, cryotherapy, microdermabrasion, and topical product regimens. Multiple treatments should be expected, and recurrence of the lesions or new lesions, may be seen at some point.

Brown Patches On The Faces Of Women

Women with brown patches on their face usually have a condition called “melasma.” This condition is caused by chronic sun exposure, combined with hormonal fluctuation such as birth control pills, pregnancy, or hormone replacement. It is seemingly impossible to cure permanently, although many, many, treatments for melasma have been used throughout the years.

Presently, the best, a woman with melasma can realistically hope for, is significant lightening of the brown patches. However, strict sun avoidance is mandatory, as the brown patches seem to darken noticeably with even minimal sun exposure, sometimes ruining months of careful efforts by both patient and physician. Sun avoidance, minimizing hormonal influences, and topical lightening products remain the mainstay of treatment. The doctors at McGuiness Dermatology are currently evaluating a treatment that has been successful elsewhere. Should they be able to reproduce the favorable results others have experienced with this technique, their patients will be notified.

Aging Hands

Many adult patients are unhappy with the appearance of the skin on the backs of their hands. Over time, with exposure to the sun and normal aging, brown spots begin to appear, and the veins and tendons in the hands become quite visible. There are a number of treatments for this that have been very effective for most people. A combination of treatments is often used. Available treatments include the Palomar MaxG laser, Fraxel DUAL laser, cryotherapy, microdermabrasion, and fillers, such as Radiesse, Restylane, and Juvederm, among others.

Red/Brown Patches On Neck And Chest

This is one of the most common skin conditions seen in both men and women. It is called “poikiloderma,” and is caused by chronic sun exposure in almost all cases. Post patients are very pleased with the results of treatment with the Palomar MaxG or Fraxel Thulium lasers and topical products. Several treatments are usually needed, and the condition does tend to recur over time, requiring additional treatment.