Pigment spots on the head: types and causes of formation

People have different attitudes towards the appearance of any neoplasms on the head. Many, seeing the appearance of brown spots, begin to worry, others take it calmly. The main substance that affects skin color is the brown pigment melanin. This pigment protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and if it is produced in excess, brown spots may appear on the skin. Brown spots may also appear on a child’s head as a result of various diseases, heredity, injury or prolonged exposure to the sun.

What does dandruff look like?

White flakes, clearly visible on dark clothes, are nothing more than dandruff. It consists of scaly particles of keratinized skin, appears at the roots of the hair, and then easily falls off. Most often, the disease is provoked by the activity of the Malassezia fungus. It is present on the skin of every person, but only under certain conditions does it begin to multiply and cause dandruff.

When the fungus on the scalp becomes active, a person feels itchy. Depending on the reasons that caused the spontaneous reproduction of microorganisms and the characteristics of the sebaceous glands, seborrhea (this is what the disease accompanied by peeling is called) is divided into dry, oily, and mixed. It can also manifest itself in other forms.

Fungal diseases: causes and symptomatic picture

Fungal diseases of the scalp partially or completely affect the scalp. They are transmitted through tactile contact and the use of shared personal hygiene products (towel, comb), clothing and hats.

A common fungal disease is ringworm. The superficial form most often affects children of preschool and school age due to curiosity and frequent contacts with animals - cattle and rodents. According to statistics, lichen more often affects residents of villages and villages.

In most cases, it is characterized by the appearance of small spots, pinkish with a pale edge. Despite its frequent distribution among children, trichophytosis can appear in men and women of different age categories.

Treatment of fungal diseases of the scalp can take an indefinite period of time. If the disease is chronic, treatment of the scalp disease in this case does not guarantee complete relief.

Dry seborrhea

If there is a lack of activity in the sebaceous glands, dry seborrhea can occur. The reason is not only low sebum production, but also:

• stress, anxiety, psychological shocks;
• hereditary factors;
• hormonal disruptions (puberty or abnormalities in the functioning of the glands);
• use of incorrectly selected cosmetics, as well as cosmetic paints with ammonia;
• poor hygiene, excessively frequent hair washing and blow-drying;
• lack of vitamins (this affects the general health and functioning of the glands).

A deficiency of sebum contributes to the appearance of inflammatory processes on the scalp, which provoke the proliferation of Malassezia fungi. Symptoms of dry seborrhea:

• discoloration, dryness and brittleness of hair;
• formation of cracks in the epidermis;
• the appearance of large scales that quickly peel off.

If measures are not taken, dry seborrhea moves into the next stage. In addition to dandruff, a person is bothered by redness of the skin and seborrheic spots. Sometimes dry seborrhea is an advanced form of oily seborrhea, in other cases the problem arises on its own.

Autoimmune diseases: causes and methods of treatment

For healthy people, patients with psoriasis or scleroderma do not pose any threat; these diseases are associated with a deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals in the body. The patient must be protected from situations that cause depression, anxiety and stress, after which the doctor prescribes oral drug treatment, namely:

• take a course of medications with a high content of vitamins, amino acids and minerals necessary for the recovery of the body;
• sedatives (if the patient is unable to get rid of stress on his own).

Oily seborrhea

If too much sebum is produced, this can also lead to dandruff. The fact is that the secretion does not contain enough antibacterial substances. Favorable conditions are created for an increase in fungal colonies. The active activity of Malassezia leads to detachment of the epidermis and the appearance of oily dandruff.

Symptoms of oily seborrhea:

• greasy hair;
• itching;
• The scales stick together and peel off very poorly.

Oily seborrhea is often accompanied by acne and furunculosis. The skin of the scalp becomes crusty; scratching during itching leads to bloody wounds. If adequate treatment is not carried out, hair will begin to fall out.

Seborrhea, associated with increased sebum production, occurs not only on the scalp. It also appears on the face, especially in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle, behind the ears and on the chin. On the face, the disease is characterized by enlarged pores and graying of the skin.

The most common cause of oily seborrhea is hormonal imbalances. The disease often plagues adolescents during puberty. Most often, young men suffer, because it is male hormones that provoke the activity of the sebaceous glands.

Normally, seborrhea is temporary; by the age of 25, it goes away in most people. In 10% of cases the disease becomes chronic.

Another common cause of oily seborrhea is genetics.

Also, the impetus for the disease can be:

• frequent stress;
• deviations in the functioning of the nervous system;
• taking hormones;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• diseases of the genitourinary system.

Drug therapy for scalp psoriasis?

Medicines are selected according to the patient’s condition and the presence of certain symptoms of the disease. In the initial stage of psoriasis on the scalp, the following external remedies are used:

• when weeping, solutions and creams are prescribed that eliminate these symptoms and prevent bacterial and fungal infections; Picladol, Psorilom, Zinocap creams are suitable; Belosalik is prescribed from solutions; apply the medicine to the affected skin areas every day;
• if the skin is dry, then it is treated with ointments; ointment with salicylic acid - has a softening effect; ointments with tar have the same effect; Ointments with zinc and Daivonex ointment (an analogue of vitamin D3 + glucocorticoid betamethasone - help quickly eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis);
• ointments and creams with corticosteroid hormones are prescribed for the treatment of common forms of psoriasis on the scalp;
• Shampoos are widely used; Thus, tar shampoos (Psorilom, Friederm Tar, etc.) relieve inflammation and soften crusts; shampoo with zinc has an antiseptic and softening effect, relieves inflammation; shampoos are used for a long time.

Mixed seborrhea

Mixed seborrhea has characteristics of dry and oily varieties. In particular, patients note that the skin on the face in the middle part is oily, and on the cheeks it is dry. Especially a lot of fat is released in the areas of the crown, chin, forehead, and nose. In other places the fat content is moderate or insufficient.

Doctors also note that a person may be bothered by dry dandruff and oily skin on the face.

Symptoms of mixed seborrhea:

• inflammatory process on the cheeks, scalp, chin, forehead, chest, nose;
• in the area of ​​inflammation, the skin becomes rough;
• redness, itching;
• increased secretion of sebum on the forehead, but decreased secretion in other areas of the face;
• peeling in the area of ​​increased activity of fat-secreting glands, yellowish or gray scales;
• peeling of dry areas of skin.

All the factors listed above as causes of other types of the disease can provoke mixed seborrhea. Most often the problem is associated with hormonal changes or disruptions. Heredity plays an important role. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to the growth of fungi.

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Folk remedies for brown spots

At home, homemade whitening masks, lotions, serums and creams help a lot.

Some popular recipes:

• Finely grind a slice of lemon and mix with sour cream in a 1:1 ratio. The composition is applied to the brown spot, left for half an hour, then washed off with lukewarm water. Actions are performed twice a day.
• Gauze should be soaked in hydrogen peroxide and applied to the pigmented area. Once the fabric is dry, the process is repeated. Thus, they arrive within 15 minutes. The procedure is performed once a day, for no more than two weeks in a row. After a week of break you can repeat.

• You should prepare a mask of white clay and chamomile infusion. To do this you need to mix 2 tbsp. l. clay with chamomile decoction – 100 ml. Keep the prepared composition for half an hour, then wash off with warm water without soap.
• Rubbing with curdled milk or kefir, the juice of parsley, lemon, cabbage, raspberries and viburnum helps well in the fight against pigmented areas.
• A carrot mask will help lighten the brown spot. To prepare, mix a medium spoon of sour cream, yolk and a spoon of carrot juice. Wait 5 minutes, then apply the mask for 15 minutes. Rinse off only with cool water.

To restore normal color to the skin and prevent the reappearance of a brown tint, the use of cosmetics and salon procedures is not enough. It is advisable to regularly protect the skin from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation, monitor the diet and condition of the body, then unaesthetic spots on the body will no longer bother you.

Tubular seborrhea

This is a special type of seborrhea, the main symptom of which is the formation of scales not on the scalp, but on the hair. This is explained by the fact that the active reproduction of the Malassezia fungus began precisely on the hairline. Dandruff looks like small tubes, which are sometimes confused with nits.

Tubular seborrhea is also characterized by severe itching and redness. Most often it occurs in adolescence, when hormonal levels are actively restructured.

Also, the causes of tubular dandruff can be:

• lack of vitamins;
• metabolic disease;
• improper or insufficient hygiene;
• improper or poor nutrition, diets;
• physical and emotional stress;
• skin diseases;
• chronic illnesses, hepatitis, HIV and other diseases that reduce immunity.

Stages of psoriasis on the head

The disease lasts a long time, exacerbations are replaced by remissions. The frequency of exacerbations and the severity of symptoms depend on the presence of provoking factors.

Progressive stage

Rash and inflammation spread, accompanied by severe itching. In the initial stage, Koebner's symptom is present - the appearance of psoriatic rashes at the site of scratches and abrasions.

Stationary

The process is in the same state, not spreading, but not dying out.

Regressive

The process gradually subsides, the itching disappears, the rash turns pale, the inflammatory infiltrate decreases, gradually taking on the appearance of a spot; the color of the rash fades starting from the center, forming ring-shaped figures with a brighter border. Sometimes they begin to turn pale from the periphery to the center and then take on the appearance of whitish rings (a symptom of psoriasis on the head - Voronov's pseudoatrophy). The healing phase can take quite a long time and gradually only white depigmented spots remain on the skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

When listing the types of dandruff, one cannot fail to mention seborrheic dermatitis. This is a general term for diseases that are associated with the active proliferation of fungi, the formation of crusts, redness, itching and peeling.

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur with infectious diseases such as lichen, or non-infectious diseases - psoriasis, neurodermatitis. Symptoms appear on the skin in areas with impaired sebum secretion.

The fungus produces lipotic enzymes that break down fatty acids. When there are too many enzymes, an inflammatory reaction occurs on the skin. Outwardly, at first it looks like peeling. Scratching leads to the formation of bleeding wounds.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to dandruff. However, we are talking about it only if more than 83% of the microflora of the scalp consists of pathogenic fungi. For dandruff, this figure is 74%. Thus, dandruff is the first stage of seborrheic dermatitis. If left untreated, it will lead to serious consequences.

Malignant neoplasm

Sometimes nevus cells begin to degenerate, and then a malignant neoplasm forms on the skin - melanoma . This is a very dangerous disease, as it has an aggressive course and very quickly provokes the growth of metastases. People with very fair skin, as well as those who have had cases of malignant diseases among their blood relatives, are at risk for the formation of melanoma.

It can be difficult to identify melanoma at first glance; this formation can look different. It can be smooth hemispherical, bumpy or nodular.

Signs of the development of a malignant neoplasm

Symptoms of a mole degenerating into melanoma can be different; you should pay attention to the following symptoms:

• the appearance of discomfort, itching;
• a long-term, non-healing, weeping ulcer forms;
• there is bleeding from the spot;
• the formation begins to change size - grow quickly;
• the boundaries of the neoplasm change and become uneven;
• the color changes, the stain may darken or, conversely, lighten;
• signs of inflammation appear around the spot - redness of the skin, swelling.

Sometimes, with the development of a malignant neoplasm, signs of a general deterioration in well-being are noted:

• long-term maintenance of slightly elevated temperature;
• weakness;
• weight loss.

The main component of the success of treatment of this neoplasm is early diagnosis. The earlier treatment was started, the greater the chances. Melanoma is removed surgically or with a laser, and then an additional course of radiation and chemotherapy may be prescribed.

Prevention of the development of the disease is sun protection. If there are moles on your head, you need to monitor their condition. If the slightest change in size or appearance occurs, contact an oncodermatologist.

Psoriasis and dandruff

Dandruff on the head appears not only due to the activity of the sebaceous glands and fungi. Sometimes scales on the hair occur with psoriasis. This is a common disease associated with heredity and the body's immune system. The disease is chronic, its therapy is designed to reduce symptoms.

Signs of psoriasis:

• the appearance of pink or red spots (occur not only on the head, but also on the arms, legs, and other parts of the body);
• gray scales on plaques;
• itching, sometimes pain.

An outbreak of this autoimmune disease can easily be confused with seborrhea. It is important to see a doctor on time, because the treatment of these ailments is very different.

Psoriasis appears between the ages of 15 and 35 years. Outbreaks of the disease can be caused by:

• poor nutrition;
• cold or dry air;
• stress.

The causative agent is not fungi, but the person’s own immunity, which attacks healthy cells, which causes active growth of the epidermis.

Therapy requires close supervision by a dermatologist. Both local and oral medications can be prescribed. Phototherapy, IV courses, and injections help relieve symptoms.

Possible causes of age spots

Among the main reasons that cause the appearance of unsightly age spots on the face are the following:

• Hereditary predisposition. Such spots include, for example, nevi, which are formed due to the uneven formation and distribution of melanin in skin cells. Most often they are beige or brown in color. Every person has a certain number of congenital age spots. However, if they begin to enlarge, become injured, or there are too many of them, this can lead to the development of cancer, and therefore such spots must be removed in a timely manner.
• Exposure to ultraviolet rays. Prolonged and heavy sun exposure often leads to the formation of age spots, such as freckles. This is due to excess melanin production when exposed to ultraviolet rays. In this case, it is possible to avoid the appearance of age spots if you use protective creams before sunbathing. This is perhaps the only reason that you can eliminate on your own, although consulting a good cosmetologist in this case will not be superfluous. Currently, there are a lot of drugs that can eliminate or “whiten” such age spots very quickly.
• Use of low-quality cosmetics and perfumes . The appearance of age spots is associated with exposure to harmful components that are part of such products and directly affect the skin. Treatment will be required here.
• Folic acid deficiency . Occurs in the body during certain diseases of the circulatory and immune systems. As a result, skin changes are observed, which are manifested by the appearance of age spots. Folic acid may be insufficiently supplied from food and may be observed in folate deficiency anemia, pregnancy and a number of other conditions. A lack of vitamin C and copper in the body can also cause the appearance of age spots.
• Age-related skin changes . They appear after 50 years and are signs of age. These spots are called lentigo spots. They occur in areas that are most frequently exposed to ultraviolet radiation, namely the face and hands. Their occurrence is associated with biological changes occurring in the skin; menopause and increased estrogen levels cause an increase in the number of such spots.
• Hormonal changes . They are one of the most common causes of age spots.

Very often, so-called chloasma occurs on the face, abdomen and around the nipples and genitals of pregnant women. The formations are characterized by a very specific location. For example, on the face they are usually on the bridge of the nose, temples, chin or upper lip, forming the so-called pregnancy mask. The reason for their appearance is a change in the general hormonal background, which means changes in the content of estrogen and progesterone, which, while expecting a baby, are present in a woman’s body in a different proportion than at normal times.

Chloasma that appears during pregnancy tends to disappear on its own after childbirth. Accordingly, no special therapy is required in this case. But to try to avoid their appearance, you should spend less time in the sun, eat healthy and balanced, and do not experiment with cosmetics. You can lubricate your face and other dangerous areas with special creams with a high content of folic acid, which are available in a wide range today.

Hormonal imbalances are observed not only in pregnant women. Fluctuations in the level of progesterone and estrogen, which occur during the normal physiological cycle in women, can also cause age spots on the face. This is called melanosis, in the formation of which an increase in the level of estrogen plays a significant role, which stimulates the formation of melanin. More often, this problem is typical for brunettes whose skin belongs to the fourth phototype. The spots that form in this case are uneven in shape and are located on the forehead, temples, cheeks, in the area of ​​the upper lip and above the upper lip.

Taking oral contraceptives , as well as topical estrogen, can also cause spots to appear. The appearance of chloasma is accompanied by the onset of menopause. The reason for their occurrence also lies in the level of estrogen and an increase in the synthesis of pigments.

Many serious diseases are also accompanied by an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood and, as a result, the formation of age spots on the face. This may include:

• thyroid diseases that affect hormonal levels in the body;
• ovarian cysts and tumors;
• panhypopituitarism;
• pituitary tumors accompanied by increased production of estrogen;
• pathology of the adrenal glands;
• stress;
• obesity (estrogens are produced by adipose tissue);
• some diseases of the liver and gall bladder.

It is quite difficult to deal with spots that arise due to hormonal disorders. Sometimes it is not enough to identify and eliminate the causes that led to their formation, and in some cases it is difficult to completely get rid of the disease itself. In such a situation, women often resort to the help of cosmetologists to cope with the problem. However, if the underlying cause continues to adversely affect the body, the spots will appear again.

• Features of metabolic processes . Metabolism in the body is very important. Some diseases lead to its disruption. As a result, excess melanin production occurs and pigment spots form. Gallstone disease, hepatitis A, diseases that lead to impaired absorption of vitamins and minerals in the intestines can also cause the formation of age spots.
• Nervous disorders . Stress is, although not the most common, one of the reasons for the appearance of age spots.