Brown Spots

Brown spots are sometimes concerning or a sign of skin cancer, while other times, such spots are simply a nuisance. At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut, the experienced dermatology team diagnoses the cause of brown spots and offers treatments that diminish them. Call the office or use the online booking tab today to learn more about your options.

What are brown spots?

Brown spots may appear on your skin for various reasons. They are patches or small circles that contain pigment darker than the surrounding skin. Examples of skin conditions that cause brown spots include:

• Sun spots
• Age spots (liver spots)
• Moles
• Freckles
• Birthmarks
• Melasma
• Skin cancer

Oftentimes, such spots aren’t cause for concern, but they might make you feel self-conscious. In other cases, brown spots indicate cancerous tissue that needs treatment to prevent skin cancer from spreading. 

What do brown spots look like?

Brown spots are typically circular and dark brown, light brown, or even tan in color. The spots might resemble moles or other skin lesions and be flat or raised. Such spots may have irregular or smooth borders and change their appearance over time. It’s important to have the spots evaluated by your dermatologist to detect or rule out cancer. 

What causes brown spots?

The cause of brown spots isn’t always known. They may develop because of unprotected sun exposure, using tanning beds, genetics, or certain skin conditions. Some people are born with brown spots, while others develop over time due to environmental factors like sun exposure. Aging is another risk factor for developing liver spots, which are common brown spots in older adults. 

How does my dermatologist diagnose the cause of brown spots?

Your provider determines the type of brown spots you have after reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. They examine the spots and may look at them under a microscope or obtain a tissue sample to use for lab analysis. 

Your dermatologist asks questions about the spots, such as whether or not they’ve developed recently, have been present since birth, and changed in size, shape, color, or overall appearance.

How are brown spots treated?

The team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists treats brown spots using various methods. They offer:

• Chemical peels
• Medications
• Laser treatments
• Pulsed light (IPL) treatments
• Cryotherapy
• Microdermabrasion
• Surgical removal

Ways to lessen your chance of brown spots include protecting your skin from the sun with clothing or sunscreen and staying away from tanning beds.

Your dermatologist tailors each treatment to your needs, preferences, lifestyle, and desired results.

See the Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists providers at the first sign of new or changing brown spots to rule out cancer or have the spots removed.

To eliminate brown spots, call the friendly office staff or use the online booking tool today.