Black Dry Patches On Skin

Other Causes Of Skin Discoloration

Other conditions and medical treatments that can cause skin discoloration include:

• Bleeding into the skin.This happens when blood vessels burst due to injury, bruising, or an allergic reaction.
• Radiation therapy.Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that can cause the skin to blister, itch, and peel.
• Spider veins. Damaged veins that can appear as clusters of red, blue, or purple lines underneath your skin, particularly in your legs.
• Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes may cause the development of melasma hyperpigmentation.
• Burns. Skin discoloration can occur from burns such as those associated with injuries and sunburns.
• Medication side effects.Drug-induced hyperpigmentation may occur in some people taking antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , and other drugs.

You should schedule an appointment with a doctor if you:

• have any lasting changes in your skin color
• notice a new mole or growth on your skin
• have an existing mole or growth that changed in size or appearance
• have any other concerning symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, or discharge

At your appointment, your doctor will first take a look at areas of skin discoloration and ask you about any changes youve noticed. They will also ask about other symptoms you may be experiencing.

• blood tests to check for conditions that may cause changes in skin color

Diagnosing The Underlying Cause Of Scaling Skin

When you initially recognize scaling skin, you may simply apply lotion and not give it much thought. After all, its very common for skin to sometimes scale during periods of cold, dry weather or after prolonged sun exposure. However, if your scaling skin doesnt improve, spreads, or worsens, you may want to see your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. If you can pinpoint when the symptoms first appeared, it may help your healthcare provider determine a cause. Whether or not your skin itches or if anything provides relief could also help in diagnosing the problem.

The diagnosis is made based on the appearance of your skin, your history of exposure to any irritating or allergenic substances, and any accompanying symptoms.

How Do You Get Rid Of Crusty Patches At Home

How to do it? Just get a green tea bag and soak it in warm water apply that wet bag on the skin and leave it until all the water has dried up. Do this step many times a day. If it is on your face, you will be freed from the actinic keratosis face in some weeks or months and have that charming look back.

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How Can You Get Rid Of Dry Patches

Thankfully, these dry patches wont last forever. If you think you know the cause of the patches based on the above, like a new skincare product, remove the product from your routine, stat.

No matter if you can identify the cause or not, the first step to remedying a dry patch is finding a holy grail, rich, luscious moisturizer. Try applying an effective skin barrier repairing moisturizer as soon as possible and in ample quantity, Kim says. She recommends paying attention to your skin. Some patches may only need to be moisturized twice a day and others may require hourly care. Her go-to products for over the counter hydrators are Aquaphor Healing Ointment and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Don’t shy away from heavy emollients to hydrate your skin all winter long, either. “Look for products that combine humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin with emollients like ceramides, petrolatum, and shea butter to lock in the moisture,” says Hadley King, MD, a New York-based dermatologist.

Also, consider swapping out your gel-based moisturizers and cleansers for cream-based formulations instead. If you’re acne-prone, make sure you use an oil-free moisturizer so you can apply it generously without risking a breakout. Look for labels that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, which mean the product won’t clog pores or worsen acne.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Additional reporting by Nicole Saunders and Grace Gold

Skincare Tips On How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Body

Just as your face responds to a good skincare routine, so does your body. Vitamin C, vitamin B12 and vitamin E can help treat dark spots on body. Vitamin E and B12 promote collagen production , while vitamin C is well known for its antioxidant, firming and brightening effects. Vitamin E can also soothe scarring which can decrease the appearance of dark spots on body. We recommend using body lotion regularly – twice daily if you can. Apply to damp skin for maximum effects. Try a body lotion with natural almond oil and vitamin E, for deep hydration and care.

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Why Is My Skin Rough

Skin that feels rough to the touch, especially on the hands and feet is often caused by dryness and a build-up of dead skin cells. The skin naturally renews itself however, this process can slow down with age.5 Certain skin conditions can also accelerate the accumulation of dead cells and lead to rough bumpy skin. In most cases, using a specially-formulated rough and bumpy skin lotion daily can help restore smooth, soft skin.

How To Prevent Dark Spots On Skin

1) Use Sunscreen – Using sunscreen protects your skin from the sun damage that causes brown spots on skin. By using a high SPF sunscreen – you can prevent your skin from becoming damaged and ensure that it’s as healthy as possible to combat dark spots on skin.

2) Cover Up – Brown spots on face, neck and other overexposed areas can be prevented by covering them from the sun. Even if you use sunscreen, these areas are still more prone to dark spots than others. Try a baseball cap or a broad-brimmed hat to offer your face and neck protection from the sun.3) Avoid The Midday Sun – The sun is at its hottest and most intense between 12:00 and 14:00. During these hours you are much more likely to suffer from sun damage that can lead to brown spots on skin. To prevent this, find some shade during this part of the day, and enjoy the sun at times when it isn’t as damaging to your skin.

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Black Patches Or Scabs On Dogs Skin

Sometimes the black patches can occur naturally. They can be seen in areas of friction, legs, and armpits.

However, when the dog is allergic to something, you are likely to notice the black patches on their skin.

Therefore, you should be careful with your dogs to be able to differentiate these patches to be able to administer the correct remedy.

Melanoma And Dark Skin

Although dark-skinned people have a natural protection against skin cancer, that doesn’t mean it can’t occur. It does — most frequently where skin is lightest, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and around the nail bed. This is most true for Asians, Native Americans, and people of African descent. In Hispanics, melanoma occurs most frequently on the legs.

Because it is frequently misdiagnosed as plantar warts , tinea manuum , or a condition known as talon noir or black heel, and because many people do not seek treatment early on, the melanoma death rate is highest among people with dark skin.

The lifesaving answer lies in awareness and early diagnosis.

Show Sources

SOURCES: Janumpally, S.R. Archives of Dermatology, 2002 vol 138: pp 634-637. Taylor, S.C. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002 vol 46 : pp S98-S106. Taylor, S.C. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002 vol 46 : pp S41-S62. Perry, P.K. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2002 vol 46 : pp S113-S119. Alaluf, S. Pigment Cell Research, 2002 vol 15: pp 112-118. Rahman, Z. Cutis, 2001 vol 67: pp 403-406. American Academy of Dermatology web site. Brownskin.com. National Vitiligo Foundation web site. National Eczema Foundation web site. News release, American Academy of Dermatology, Oct. 23, 2002. “Treating Skin of Color with Know-How,” The New York Times, Nov. 3, 2005 . Skin Inc. web site.

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Our Guide To The Many Causes Of Scaly Skin Will Help You Pinpoint Your Problemand Identify The Steps You Can Take To Fix It

Dry skin can happen to anyone, but because your skin loses its ability to retain water as you age, it’s more common as you get older. Additionally, dry skin can crop up anywhere, but some parts of the bodylike the extremities, which don’t have as many oil glands as the faceare more prone to becoming parched.

For a whole host of reasonscold weather, indoor heat, hot water, aggressive washing, and agingskin can allow moisture to escape. When the water content drops below a certain point, your skin becomes dry, scaly, and itchy.

Here are conditions that may be responsible for your dry, scaly skin and some remedies for them.

Does Acanthosis Nigricans Mean I Have Diabetes

While AN doesnt always mean you have diabetes or prediabetes, it can be a sign of diabetes. So talk to your healthcare provider if you notice signs of AN.

Prediabetes means you have early signs but havent yet developed diabetes. If you have prediabetes, your provider will talk to you about steps to take to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. And if you do have diabetes, you and your provider can discuss treatment options.

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Skin Cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma And Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, with BCC at the forefront, according to the AAD.

BCC forms after years of sun exposure or indoor tanning. Although BCC looks “like a flesh-colored round growth, pearl-like pump, or a pinkish patch of skin” per the AAD, superficial BCC can also look like the early stage of SCC. SCC in this stage presents as scaly patches on areas of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, per the American Cancer Society. These spots can also look like warts and sometimes appear as open sores with a raised border and a crusted surface.

Unlike dry skin, these lesions, which range from pea-size to chestnut-size, can bleed if bumped, scratched, or scraped. They may persist, but they can also heal and then return. Anyone can develop BCC or SCC, but people with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are at the highest risk.

Both types can become disfiguring and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow, so be sure to see your healthcare provider if you notice any change in a preexisting skin growth or the development of a new one.

When To See A Doctor

You can see a doctor over black spots on the skin if you noticed the following condition:

• when dark marks on the skin are too painful and cause a lot of discomforts
• when black dots on the skin has persisted for more than three weeks or has refused to go away
• when your baby develop strange dark dots on the skin that keeps you in worry
• if black dots or patches on the skin are becoming a threat to your beauty and health
• if dark marks on the skin are hard bumps that can bleed easily

It is advisable to visit your doctor to get help in case you notice any strange dark marks that you suspect to develop into a serious skin condition that can make your skin look less attractive.

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Other Skin Conditions That Cause Pigmentary Changes

Eczema is not the only condition that causes pigmentary changes: they can also be caused by various other skin conditions that someone may have alongside their eczema. Two other common pigmentary skin conditions are melasma and vitiligo, but there are many rarer conditions too. So, any form of pigmentary skin problems that cannot be explained by eczema should be assessed and investigated.

How Long Will It Take For Your Skin To Return To Normal

If youre diagnosed with tinea versicolor, treatment will improve your long-term outlook. However, even after eliminating the infection, your skin may remain discolored for several weeks or months following treatment. Your infection may also return when the weather becomes warmer and more humid. If your condition returns, your doctor may prescribe medication once or twice per month to prevent symptoms.

It can be difficult to prevent a recurrence of this condition. If youve been diagnosed with tinea versicolor and youve successfully treated it, there are steps you can take to prevent future infections. These include:

• avoiding excessive heat
• avoiding tanning or excessive sun exposure
• avoiding excessive sweating

You can also help prevent tinea versicolor by using a prescription-strength skin treatment during times of the year when youre most susceptible to it.

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Causes Of Acanthosis Nigricans

The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is being very overweight.

Other causes include:

• conditions that affect hormone levels such as Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome or an underactive thyroid
• taking certain medicines including steroids or hormone treatments like the contraceptive pill
• in rare cases, cancer usually stomach cancer
• in rare cases, a faulty gene inherited from your parents

Sometimes acanthosis nigricans happens in healthy people with no other conditions. This is more common in people with dark skin.

What The Color Of Your Rough Skin Patches Means

The color of rough skin can be an indicator of its cause. Heres the most common factors that lead to discoloration.

• Red: Red rough patches on skin areas such as the inside of the elbow, backs of the knees or other parts of the body may be due to eczema.3 Rough bumpy skin on the backs of the arms or thighs is often keratosis pilaris.13
• White: White, rough skin on the knees and elbows is usually caused by dryness. When seen on the elbows, knees, face or elsewhere, red skin covered with white scales may indicate psoriasis.2
• Brown: A dark rough patch on skin on the face, arms or legs may be an actinic keratosis, which is a caused by sun damage.14
• Any unusual areas of rough skin that do not respond to moisturizer should be seen by a dermatologist who can diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

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Sun Damage Can Cause Dark Patches On Your Skin

Damage to your skin because of the sun can result in black patches on your skin because of hyperpigmentation.

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that melanin pigments provide some protection from the harmful rays of the sun. However, if the skin is exposed to too much sun, dark pigmented patches of skin can appear.8

Rough Skin By Location

Face: If facial moisturizer doesnt help improve dry rough patches on skin in spots like around the nose and eyebrows as well as on the hairline, ears and neck, a skin condition may be to blame. Persistent, irritated rough skin with thick scales may be due to psoriasis,2 while red, rough skin on the cheeks may be caused eczema.2

Hands: Rough hands are usually caused by dry skin. The hands are especially prone to dryness because they have fewer oil glands5 and are exposed to a variety of harsh environmental factors. Frequent hand-washing, contact with chemicals and extreme weather conditions all deplete moisture from the skin and can lead to rough skin.7

Feet: Similar to the hands, the feet have a limited number of oil glandswhich means this skin can become thick and dry.4 Rough skin on feet can be accompanied by calluses due to friction caused by wearing shoes, and cracked heels that result from the feet supporting the bodys weight.

Arms: There can be several causes of rough skin on arms, including dry skin,4 eczema,3 psoriasis,2keratosis pilaris8 and sun exposure.9

Elbows: Rough bumpy skin due to dryness is common on the elbows, although redness covered with white rough patches on skin of the elbows may be psoriasis.10 Red rough patches on skin inside the elbows can be caused by eczema.3

Neck: Frequently seen in men who shave regularly, rough skin on the neck may be due to folliculitis,11 razor burn or ingrown hairs.

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References And Further Information

References:

Further information:

Skin Deep is a website that contains images of people with different skin tones to help patients and doctors better understand and describe symptoms of different skin conditions: .

The PDF document below shows what eczema can look like on different skin tones.

Which Skin Type Are You

Skin type is described by the Fitzpatrick classification , which determines the colour of skin by phototype, which depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin.

In this article we describe skin as lighter or darker.

Skin types: Fitzpatrick classification, adapted from:

Skin changes are caused either by active eczema or by scratching as a result of eczema itch. These changes can result in two types of pigmentary skin changes in eczema:

• HYPO-PIGMENTATION Loss of skin pigment or colour, usually seen as patches of skin that are lighter than overall skin tone.
• HYPER-PIGMENTATION Patches of skin becoming darker than the normal skin tone.

Hypo- and hyper-pigmentation are more visible in darker skin types but can occur in any skin type and can be concerning and distressing for anyone with eczema.

The main way of improving skin pigmentation changes is to treat the underlying eczema and inflammation. But discoloration can last for months or years, even after the eczema is treated.

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