Brown patches on the skin may keep spreading, appear to be scaly, and look damage the skin. Depending on what caused them, they may be itchy or not itchy and even cause hyperpigmentation depending on the skin type, Below are more on what cause brown patches on the skin, how to get rid of them using home remedies and treatment.
Brown patches on the skin mostly affect light-skinned people since they do not have enough melanin to protect them from harmful sun rays. Some of these patches also occur when the skin ages. They can be cancerous or not. It is important to take good care of your skin in order to avoid these ugly skin tags.
Liver Spots
Do not get it twisted, liver spots have got nothing to do with the liver. They are just flat, painless, brown patches on skin that form due to old age or prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Body parts that are hardly covered like the face, hands, shoulders, and forearms are prone to getting liver spots. People who use bleaching lotions are also likely to get liver spots.
These brown patches on the skin are not harmful they only change the appearance of your skin. Always avoid exposing your skin to sunlight for long. If you have to be out in the sun the apply sunscreen (with an SPF of 15) on the parts of your skin that are exposed.
As much as the brown patches on the skin due to liver spots are not harmful, it is important to visits a dermatologist in order to confirm that they are not cancer-related. The doctor will prescribe Retin-A for the treatment of these patches.
Skin Pigmentation Disorders
The skin pigmentation is determined by melanin that is produced by melanocyte cells which are based at the bottom of the epidermis. Dark-skinned people have got more melanin supplied to their skin as compared to light-skinned people. The advantage of having darker skin is that it is more resistant to sun damage.
Skin pigmentation disorder occurs when the melanocyte cells are destroyed and the production of melanin is reduced (hypopigmentation), production of more melanin (hyperpigmentation), or no production of skin color (achromia). The skin pigmentation disorder can affect parts of the skin and cause brown patches on the skin or it can affect the entire body. The following are some of the examples of skin pigmentation disorder;
- Brown patches on the skin due to prolonged exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun
- Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy that causes pigmentation of body parts like the nipples, vulva, and abdomen.
- Addison’s diseases
- Vitiligo which is characterized by light patches on the skin
- Albinism which is a genetic disorder characterized by lack of skin pigmentation
- Skin burns will have pigmentation disorder after healing
Brown Spots on the Skin
Brown spots on the skin mostly affect people with light skin complexion. They are not harmful but they may also be an early symptom of skin cancer so it is important to get checked by a professional dermatologist.
These brown spots on skin can be caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, hormonal imbalance, tanning beds, or hyperpigmentation of the skin. These spots can develop anywhere on the skin.
Sunrays damaged parts of the skin that are rarely covered like the face, legs, and arms. The other causes of brown spots on skin can make them appear even on the most private parts of the body like the nipples, vulva, and abdomen as seen in pregnant women.
These spots can be permanently removed via surgery but it is better to prevent them by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays and applying sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun rays.
Causes of Brown Patches on the Skin
Below are some causes that may help in self-diagnosis and the prevention of these patches on the skin.
1. Fungus
Yeast fungus exists on our skin naturally, they only cause an infection when they overmultiply. Overgrowth of the yeast can be caused by hot and humid weather, oily skin, hormonal imbalance, or a compromised immune system. A skin condition known as tinea versicolor is caused by a yeast infection and is characterized by lighter, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes causes a skin condition known as necrobiosis lipodica that starts as small raised solid bumps that later turn into brown patches on skin with the shiny surrounding. The skin feels very itchy and painful and blood vessels become visible. Ensure you visit your doctor if you notice such symptoms.
3. Sun
The harmful UV rays from the sun can interfere with the functioning of melanocyte cells and lead to the formation of light brown patches on skin or dark brown patches on the skin if the amount of melanin produced increases. These patches are harmless but it is still important to get checked by a dermatologist because skin cancer also has got similar characteristics.
4. STD
Sexually transmitted disease put you at a higher risk of getting HIV infection. HIV/AIDS is also a sexually transmitted infection. One of the symptoms of HIV infection is dark brown patches on the skin.
5. Pregnancy
Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy can cause skin pigmentation disorder especially around the vulva, nipple, forehead, inner thighs, and abdomen. These dark brown patches on the skin during pregnancy clear up after delivery.
6. After tanning
Tanning does not protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays so you are still at risk of getting skin cancer which can begin as brown spots on the skin. The ultraviolet rays used in tanning beds are harmful to your skin.
7. Keratosis
Keratosis is a skin condition that causes brown patches on the skin that gets darker with time. They are common in older people. These patches can occur anywhere on the skin. They are raised and have no distinct shape. They can be an early symptom of skin cancer so ensure you visit a dermatologist if you notice such changes on your skin.
8. Liver problems
A damaged liver will cause discoloration to the skin.
Brown Patches on Skin Cancer
Skin cancer refers to abnormal growth of skin cells. They can start out as brown spots on the skin hence making it very difficult to detect them at an early stage. It is therefore important to visit your dermatologist if you notice any growth or patches on your skin.
Too much exposure of skin to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun is the major cause of most types of skin cancer.
Skin cancer can be in the form of melanoma which is fatal and appear to be spreading to other parts of the body or non-melanoma which is less harmful and does not spread. The following are the characteristics of cancerous skin growth;
- It is not symmetrical i.e. does not have a well-defined shape.
- They have uneven borders
- The color of the growth is not uniform
- The skin growth increase in size rapidly
- A skin growth that is scaly, peeling off, bleeds or scabs
According to Mayo Clinic,” Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.”
How to Get Rid of Brown Patches on Skin
Brown patches on the skin may not be life-threatening but they make your skin look ugly. There are home remedies that can help in clearing these brown patches on the skin and help you gain back your confidence when it comes to flaunting your body
1. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a bleaching agent that will lighten the dark brown patches on the skin. It also contains vitamin C which is an essential vitamin for boosting your immune system.
Requirements
- Lemons
- A Sieve
- A Cup
- A sharp knife
- Honey
- A ball of cotton
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
Preparation Method and Use
- Apply pressure on the lemon by kneading it on the kitchen counter.
- Use the knife to cut the lemon into two halves.
- Place the sieve over the cup and squeeze out the lemon juice into the cup through the sieve.
- Add honey to the lemon juice
- Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry
- Soak a ball of cotton with this mixture
- Use the soaked ball of cotton to apply this mixture directly on the brown patches on the skin.
- Let the juice settle for 30 minutes
- Use cold water to wash off the lemon juice
- Pat dry the affected area with a clean piece of cloth
- Repeat this twice a week for 2 months until you see a change.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is rich in lactic acid with help in removing brown patches on the skin but still, keep your skin moisturized.
What you need
- Buttermilk
- Cotton Ball
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
What to do
- Soak a ball of cotton with buttermilk
- Apply the buttermilk on the brown spots on the skin using the soaked cotton ball.
- Leave it for 5 minutes
- Wash it off using warm water
- Dry your skin using a clean piece of cloth.
- Do this every day for a month
3. Castor Oil
Castor oil is ideal when it comes to getting rid of brown spots or patches on the skin. It is also an anti-bacterial agent.
Requirements
- Castor Oil
- A Cotton ball
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
What to do
- Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry
- Soak a cotton ball with the castor oil
- Apply castor oil directly on the affected area using the soaked cotton ball
- Gently massage the oil into the skin
- Let it settle and sink into the skin overnight
- Wash it off in the morning and dry your skin using a clean piece of cloth
- You can apply castor oil in the morning and evening until your skin gets well-toned.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar will dry out and clear brown spots and patches on the skin. It helps in restoring uniform skin color.
What you need
- Apple cider vinegar
- A Cotton Ball
- A clean piece of cloth
- Water
How to use it
- Ensure the affected area is clean
- Mix apple cider vinegar and water in the same ratio
- Soak a cotton ball with the mixture
- Apply the mixture on the affected area using the cotton ball
- Let it settle for 10 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water
- Pat the affected area dry with a clean piece of cloth
- Repeat this process once a day for 4 weeks
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antifungal properties. It soothes the skin and rejuvenates it. Aloe Vera is ideal for clearing sunspots and fungal infections.
Requirements
- Aloe Vera leaves
- A Sharp knife
- A mixer/ blender
- A container for collecting the gel
- Soap
- Water
- A clean piece of cloth
Steps to follow
Take two pieces of aloe Vera leaves and cut them on both ends. Use a knife to take out the upper green layer from the leaf in order to expose the thick aloe Vera gel in the leaves.
- In case you find any yellow liquid on the leaf, rinse it out with clean water.
- Peel off the greenback of the leaf.
- The clear thick gel that is left is the aloe Vera gel.
- Cut the gel into small pieces and blend the gel into a liquid form.
- Apply the aloe Vera gel directly on the affected area
- Repeat this process 3 times a day until the brown spots disappear completely
6. Sandalwood
Sandalwood has got antiseptic and anti-aging properties that are ideal for curing hyperpigmentation and lightening dark patches on the skin.
Requirement
- Sandalwood powder
- Rosewater
- Glycerine
- Lemon juice
- Water
What to do
- Mix two tablespoons of sandalwood powder, two teaspoons of rose water, one teaspoon of glycerin and lemon juice.
Apply this mixture on the affected area - Let it dry up
- Rinse it off with cold water
- Dry your skin using a clean piece of
- Repeat this process 3 times a week until you see a change
7. Horseradish
Horseradish has got skin lightening properties that are able to CorrecText skin pigmentation disorders.
Requirement
- Horseradish
- A knife
- Pestle and mortar
- Water
What to do
- Peel off the back cover of horseradish
- Dice them into cubes using a knife
- Place them in the mortar
- Pound with a pestle to form a paste
- Apply the horseradish paste directly on the affected area
- Leave it on the skin for 20 minutes
- Rinse it off using cold water
- Repeat this 3 times a week until you see a change
8. Papaya
Papaya has got enzyme papain and alpha-hydroxy acids which help in skin exfoliation and reduction of liver spots. Do not use this remedy if you are allergic to papaya.
Requirements
- Papaya
- Natural Yoghurt
- Natural Honey
- Water
- Jug
- Blender
- A clean piece of cloth
- Knife
What to do
- Peel off the back of the papaya and cut into half to remove the seeds
- Slice it and put it inside a blender
- Add half a cup of fresh yogurt and 5 teaspoons of natural honey.
- Blend them together into juice
- Apply the juice on the affected area and gently massage it into your skin.
- Let the juice settle on the skin for 30 minutes and dry up
- Rinse it off using luke-warm water
- Do this twice a day until you notice some change
9. Yogurt
Natural yogurt has got mild bleaching properties. It will lighten the skin and correct hyperpigmentation disorders.
What you need
- Natural yogurt
- A Cotton Ball
- Coldwater
What to do
- Take a shower
- Dry your skin
- Soak a cotton ball with natural yogurt
- Apply the natural yogurt on the affected area using the cotton ball
- Let it dry up
- Rinse it off with clean cold water
- You should use yogurt therapy overnight
10. Onion Juice
Onions have got natural acid that acts as a bleaching agent on the skin. It will fade dark brown spots on the skin and make it have a uniform color.
Requirements
- 3 Onions
- A Knife
- A clean piece of cloth
- Water
- Blender
- Regular shampoo
- Nit comb
- A clean towel
What to do
- Peel off the back cover of 3 onion
- Dice the onions
- Use a blender to grind them into a paste
- Apply the paste on the affected area
- Let it settle on the skin for 20 minutes
- Rinse it off using plenty of clean water
- Repeat this process 3 times a day for a month
When to See a Dermatologist/Doctor
Brown patches or spots on the skin are usually benign. However, skin cancer can also resemble these spots do you should visit your dermatologists for a check-up if you notice any of the following changes on the brown spots on the skin;
- They become darker or have a mixture of colors
- A sudden increase in their size
- Become itchy, red and soft
- Begin to bleed
- They do not have a well-defined shape
According to NHS,” Changes to a mole or freckle can be a sign of skin cancer, which is why it’s so important to see your doctor straight away. Early detection makes it easier to treat. Seeing your doctor could save your life.”
Treatment
Most brown patches on the skin do not have special treatment since they are not life-threatening. Home remedies can be used to lighten dark brown patches on the skin.
Fungal infections like tinea versicolor can be treated using over the counter antifungal creams like ciclopirox and ketoconazole. Other over the counter medication for tinea versicolor include; clotrimazole, miconazole, selenium sulfide, and terbinafine.
Laser surgery is also an option for getting rid of these ugly spots but your doctor will advise you whether it is appropriate or not especially after examining your medical history.
