Brown Spots | Brown Marks | Causes

Author: Mary Gillespie

Skin Tip - three weeks is the time it takes for melanin to return to normal in your skin after stopping Retin-A, Renova or other retinoic acid products to prevent sun sensitivity.

The following 8 categories can cause brown spots and brown marks in your skin called hyperpigmentation and continuing the cause will prolong the appearance of these dark areas.

PRESSURE and or FRICTION

1. hats
2. bandannas
3. tight collars
4. jogging bras
5. back packs

DAMAGE, INJURY, TRAUMA

1. acne lesions on darker skin
2. bumping into hard surfaces
3. cuts
4. waxing
5. shaving

SUN, INFRARED RAYS and HEAT

1. fireplace
2. campfires
3. electric heaters
4. hot water bottles or compresses

TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

1. coal tar derivatives (for psoriasis, eczema)
2. coal tar
   1. Denorex
   2. Tegrin
   3. Zetar
3. Over use of tretinoin (aging and acne) causing irritation
   1. Retin-A
   2. Renova

TOPICAL PRODUCTS

1. perfumes
   1. bergamot
2. deodorants
3. plants with naturally occurring psolaren compounds such as,
   1. bergamot
   2. limes, lime juice
   3. cloves
   4. parsnips
   5. figs
4. Psolarens are used by over two dozen plants as a defense against fungi and insect attacks.

ORAL MEDICATIONS that are photosensitizing drugs (may cause sunburn, rash and itching when you are in the sun).

1. Antiarrhythmic drugs (for irregular heartbeat)
   1. amiodarone
   2. Quinaglute
   3. Quinidex. 2
2. Antibiotics
   1. sulfonamides
   2. sulfamethoxazole
   3. Azulfidine,
   4. sulfisoxazole
   5. Tetracyclines
      1. doxycycline
      2. AchromycinV
      3. Vibramycin
   6. nalidixic
   7. NegGram
3. Anticancer agents
   1. fluorouracil
   2. methotrexate
   3. Efudex
   4. Fluroplex
   5. Mexate
4. Antidepressants
   1. doxepin imipramine
   2. Adapin
   3. Sinequan
   4. Tofranil
5. Antiemetics (for nausea)
   1. prochlorperazine
   2. promethazine
   3. Comazol
   4. Compazine
   5. Phenergan
6. Antifungal agents
   1. griseofulvin
   2. Fluvicinn
7. Isotretinoin (acne)
   1. Accutane
8. Diuretics
   1. Loop
   2. furosemide
   3. Lasix
   4. Thiazide
      1. chlorothiazide
      2. hydrochlorothiazide
   5. Diuril
   6. Esidrix
   7. Hydro-chlor
   8. Hydro-D

ORAL HERBS

1. St. Johns Wart

HORMONE CHANGES

1. birth control pills
2. hormonal replacements
3. pregnancy
4. Women, increased estrogen receptors can keep brown spots up to 5 years after your last hormone change such as, pregnancy, hormone replacement or birth control pills. This study was presented by l. Moy, M.D., Vale, CO., 1994.

Brown Spots | Brown Marks