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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Darkening Of Skin?

I m naturally a light skinned person. I noticed the skin on my face, neck, arms and hands turning darker. This happened around 10 years ago, but my doctor didn t pay any notice and also dismissed if I asked about it. Recently I ve noticed the skin in these place turning even darker, especially on the hands and arms.
Thu, 16 Jan 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Darkening of skin can occur as a result of increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is more likely to be the reason in your case since you have darkening of skin in all the sun exposed areas such as face, neck and arms. Consider using sunscreen every time you step out in the sun.Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before going out and should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. Sunscreen should have SPF value of at least 30.In order to rule out other causes such as diabetes, thyroid which can cause darkening and thickened skin, blood sugar, Tsh, Free T3 and T4 should be checked. Long term use of certain drugs can cause dark skin. It should be evaluated. Finally rare disease called Addisons should be checked by measuring potassium,sodium,cortisol and ACTH levels.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Darkening Of Skin?

Hi, Darkening of skin can occur as a result of increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is more likely to be the reason in your case since you have darkening of skin in all the sun exposed areas such as face, neck and arms. Consider using sunscreen every time you step out in the sun.Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before going out and should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. Sunscreen should have SPF value of at least 30.In order to rule out other causes such as diabetes, thyroid which can cause darkening and thickened skin, blood sugar, Tsh, Free T3 and T4 should be checked. Long term use of certain drugs can cause dark skin. It should be evaluated. Finally rare disease called Addisons should be checked by measuring potassium,sodium,cortisol and ACTH levels. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Saranya Ramadoss, General & Family Physician