How to Remove Dark Spots on Hands?

Dark spots (or black spots) are a form of hyperpigmentation that occurs due to excess generation of melanin by the skin. They are also called age spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines. Dark spots on the skin are mostly harmless and individuals want to get rid of them mainly for cosmetic reasons. Dark spots on the skin commonly occur on the back of the hands, back, shoulders or face. Here we will look at the causes and symptoms of dark spots on hands, and the treatments and home remedies for this skin condition.

Symptoms of Dark Spots/Liver Spots on Hands

• Dark spots on the hands appear as flat, dark areas on the skin of the hands, are oval in shape and tan to dark brown in colour and may be of the size of freckles or be about 0.5 inches in size.
• Age spots on hands appear in a group or a cluster, thus giving the appearance of an area/skin region with hyperpigmentation.
• Brown spots suddenly appearing on the skin are not a reason to worry, unless they are increasing in size, have an irregular border, or bleed. A doctor should be consulted if dark spots on hands suddenly appear black or have an unusual combination of colors.

Causes of Dark Spots on Hands

• Overactive pigment cells,  called melanocytes lead to the excess generation of melanin, resulting in dark spots or regions of hyperpigmentation. UV light increases the generation of melanin.
• When melanin is clumped or generated in high amounts, dark spots can be seen on the skin. Regions of the skin that have received prolonged sun exposure are more susceptible to getting dark spots. Hence they are commonly seen on sun-exposed areas like the shoulders, hands, and face.
• The use of tanning beds or tanning lamps is among the other leading causes of dark spots on hands.
• Hormonal changes can lead to the formation of dark spots on the hands.
• Certain medications can have hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
• Inflammation of the skin resulting from a skin injury, acne, or some other condition, can cause dark spots on the hands.
• Dark spots on hands may remain after a wound such as that from an insect bite, cut, or burn, has healed.
• Certain cosmetics or skin and hair products with harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on the hands leading to the appearance of dark spots.
• Diabetes can cause certain skin areas to turn darker, thus leading to dark spots on the hands, legs, face, or any other region of the skin.
• Having a light skin tone or having a history of sunburn increases the risk of getting liver spots on your hands.

Treatment for Dark Spots on Hands

A dermatologist may recommend the use of certain creams that are effective in fading or removing the dark spots on hands. Creams are serums that help exfoliate the skin and skin-lightening creams are helpful to remove dark spots. So the answer to ‘how to remove dark spots on hands at home’, can be found in these topical treatments. However, one should use such medications only after consulting a dermatologist. Medical procedures like laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels prove to be good treatments to achieve the removal of dark spots on hands, but they are relatively expensive and may have side effects.

How to Remove Black Spots from Hands with Medical Treatments?

• Laser Treatment

In this treatment, an intense pulse light laser is used to break up the dark spots.

• Chemical Peel

In this procedure, an acid is applied to the affected skin area, which leads to the breaking of the outer skin layer which sheds and peels. A new and healthy layer of the skin forms in its place, thus achieving the removal of dark spots on hands.

• Microdermabrasion

A special device with an abrasive surface is used to remove the outer skin layer. This achieves exfoliation of the skin and leads to new skin growth, thus causing the dark spots to fade away.

Home Remedies to Avoid Dark Spots on Hands

• The use of sunscreen is highly recommended to prevent dark spots on hands.
• Using sun protection while going out in the sun is a preventive measure for brown spots on hands. To avoid dark spots on the hands, it is advisable to cover the hands when outdoors in the sun.
• It is best to avoid sun exposure between 10 am to 4 pm, in order to reduce the risk of getting dark spots on the hands.

So, this was an overview of the reasons behind liver spots or age spots on hands, their symptoms, and the treatments and home remedies for this skin condition. For the best advice about how to remove dark spots on your hands, you should consult a dermatologist. One of the best places to approach for all your questions about age spots or any other skin condition is ClearSkin. It is a skin clinic in Pune with a team of expert dermatologists who can guide you well and help you attain healthy and blemish-free skin.