Learn all about solar melanosis and how to prevent spots

Do you love sunbathing and sometimes forget to put on sunscreen? Maybe you have solar melanosis and don’t even know what it is – or think it only happens to older people. To learn more about these spots that occur on the skin, we talked to Dr. Fernanda Nichelle (CREMERS 36168 | CREMESP 154072), physician who works in the aesthetic field. Follow:

What is solar melanosis

According to Dr. Fernanda Nichelle, solar melanosis consists of spots of different shades of brown, ranging from millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter, in areas chronically exposed to the sun. These spots are benign and more common in fair-skinned people. They are also known as senile spot or solar lentigo.

How does the treatment work?

The best thing to do, according to Dr.ª Fernanda, is to prevent it through effective and regular sun protection. The treatment of solar melanoses can be done with topical products, intense pulsed light and laser – all under medical supervision.

7 questions about solar melanosis answered by the expert

What is the difference between melanosis and melasma? Will the spots disappear? How to prevent? Dr. Fernanda Nichelle answers these and other main questions on the subject below:

1. What is the difference between solar melanosis and melasma?

Melasma is a chronic disease, in which the stain is usually larger, better defined and worsens with sun, heat and hormonal changes.

2. Can solar melanosis become cancer?

Any skin can get cancer if it is not properly protected. Generally, a skin that has solar melanosis shows that it has had ample exposure to the sun in the past, which increases the chance of developing the disease.

3. Can solar melanosis appear in young people?

Yes, due to chronic sun exposure in childhood and adolescence. What triggers it is not age, but the accumulation of damage from solar radiation on the cells responsible for the pigmentation of our skin (melanocytes).

4. Are the stains permanent?

Many can regress with treatment, but tend to come back if the patient is exposed to solar radiation again.

5. In which parts of the body can solar melanosis appear?

Usually on the face, on the back of the hands and arms, on the lap and shoulders, which are photoexposed areas – that is, they have more exposure to the sun.

6. How to prevent the appearance of solar melanosis?

Avoiding excessive sun exposure and protecting the skin from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are the best strategies to prevent melanosis. It is essential to use sunscreen.

7. Which UV factor is needed for prevention?

It is important that the sun protection factor is above 30. “For the day to day, I recommend SPF above 30 and for the beach or pool, above 50”, explains Dr. Fernanda Nichelle.

Want to preserve your skin from the appearance of these spots? Strengthen protection! Check out this complete guide on how to choose sunscreen, with tips on what to consider to make a good purchase.