What Causes Brown Spots On Legs and Feet?

Brown spots on legs and feet are also referred to as liver spots, age spots and also as Solar Lentigines. The condition causes the appearance of brown patches on the skin, especially the lower legs and is usually common in people of Caucasian descent.

These spots are common in older individuals usually between the age of 40 to 55 and increase as the person continues to age, but they can also be found in younger individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun. They can be seen on the face, hands, legs, and feet. Basically, any part of the body that is frequently exposed to sunlight.

Causes Of Brown Spots On Legs

Since the skin contains pigmentation that is brought about melanin, the more the skin is exposed to the sun, the more melanin in the skin accumulates. Over time, the melanin begins to clump together in higher concentration in some areas of the skin than others. This brings about the appearance of brown or black patches on the skin, especially on the front part of their legs. The more the skin is exposed to the sun, the darker the spots appear.

Dark spots on legs with poor circulation could also be caused by discoloration brought about by stasis dermatitis which is caused by poor circulation of blood in the legs.

Diagnosis

In many cases, the appearance of liver spots is similar to a type of skin cancer referred to as melanoma, which is hyperpigmentation of skin cells. In such cases, the person might require a skin biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and to that it is always adviced best doctor online consultation .

Treatment For Brown Spots On Legs

There are people who find the appearance of age spots on their legs undesirable. For such individuals, there are methods that have been developed to remove them. Here are some of the common method;

• Laser surgery is one of the methods used, and it works by scraping off the affected cells using a laser and leaving the legs with a uniform look.
• Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that works by removing the darkened cells. This method, however, works over a period of time and may at times be too harsh for sensitive skin.
• The chemical peel is another solution that works fast and usually involves a chemical being applied to skin that exfoliates the dark cells, which are then peeled off.
• Cryotherapy is a painful procedure that involves freezing the dark cells which kill them, leading to an even skin tone. The procedure does cause swelling and in some cases, scarring.
• Microdermabrasion is a method where the brown spots on legs and feet are smoothed out, and microdermabrasion is sometimes used together with a chemical peel. It causes swelling afterward, and the skin peels for a few days, but eventually, the results are quite effective and permanent.
• If you want to know more about the treatment options then you take a second opinion from the experienced dermatologists.

Brown Spots on legs pictures

Natural Remedies To Treat Brown Spots On Legs

For those who prefer not to use chemicals or extreme methods on their skin, here are some natural remedies that can be used:

1. Horseradish

When horseradish is ground and mixed with milk, it can be applied on the lower legs to clear age spots. It has antioxidant properties and hence is quite effective.

2. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which usually acts by improving skin tone and in this case would reduce the high pigmentation in the liver spots and eventually fade them.

3. Onion And Apple Cider Vinegar

When the onion is crushed and mixed with apple cider vinegar, it can be applied to the affected area, and this helps remove the brown spots as onions also contain vitamin C, which is a lightener.

4. Orchid Extract

This is a product that has been used in skincare regimens, and some studies show that applying it on age spots can help remove them.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also used in topical applications on common skin problems. It has been seen to improve the appearance of brown spots on lower legs and even to remove them altogether.

Brown Spots On Legs Prevention

Brown spots on the skin are caused by regular exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It is recommended, therefore, that individuals who are prone to getting them to ensure that they use sunscreen on lower legs and feet when outside. It should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and also after a swim.

Sunscreen is also recommended to be SPF 30 and above, with broad-spectrum protection and water-resistant. It is also recommended that one keeps their legs covered by wear trousers which protects them from the glaring Ultra Violet sun’s rays.

Prone individuals who enjoy laying in tanning beds would be advised to refrain from this as it will lead to the appearance of brown spots on legs and feet.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed

Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing.