Why do we have more “black spots” on our bodies as we age? Does it have any impact on our health?

A friend told Huazi that as he grew older, he found more and more "black spots" on his hands, arms, face and other parts of his body, but they did not hurt or itch. Does this have any impact on his health?

Hua Zi said that these "black spots" he mentioned will appear on almost every older person. As people age, some dark brown patches will gradually appear on the skin, which are usually called age spots. This is a benign skin disease, and the risk of worsening is not high, but it is also necessary to pay attention to avoid related risks.

1. Why do age spots appear?

Senile plaques are highly correlated with age. Their official name is seborrheic keratosis, a benign skin basal cell tumor that typically manifests as round or oval papules or plaques in brown or black color. Keratinization of varying degrees can be seen on the surface of the plaques, which feel hard and rough.

The probability of age spots in people over 50 years old can reach 80%~100%. And the older you are, the more and larger the age spots will be. Etiology investigations show that age spots are related to long-term chronic ultraviolet radiation and genetic factors. However, age spots do not cause symptoms and are not contagious. They only affect the appearance and not health.

2. Be alert to symptomatic age spots

Age spots are not dangerous, but it should be noted that if age spots show symptoms, such as pain, itching, or ulcers on the surface of the age spots, or if age spots suddenly appear in large numbers, or if existing age spots grow rapidly, you must be careful, as they may be other diseases.

If age spots are papular, they may be associated with certain adenocarcinomas when symptoms appear. If there is a tumor in other parts of the body, it may also cause age spots to grow rapidly. Some melanocytic nevi look similar to age spots, but they have the risk of becoming malignant and may turn into melanoma.

3. How to reduce the occurrence of age spots

1. Don't overexpose to the sun: When exposed to sunlight, human skin can synthesize vitamin D, promote calcium absorption, and prevent osteoporosis, so many elderly people like to bask in the sun. However, excessive exposure to the sun may cause skin damage and increase the possibility of age spots.

It is enough to sunbathe for about an hour every day, and avoid the strongest sunlight periods such as noon and afternoon. If you need to stay outdoors for a long time, it is recommended to take sun protection measures. Young and middle-aged people who do not have age spots can reduce the probability of age spots appearing in old age by taking good sun protection.

2. Pay attention to balanced nutrition: Vitamin E and vitamin C can be antioxidant, which helps to delay skin aging. Eating more vegetables and fruits can reduce the appearance of age spots. It should be noted that protein and fat should also be properly consumed to ensure balanced nutrition, which can promote the synthesis and repair of skin cells.

Generally speaking, consuming more than 12 kinds of food a day and more than 25 kinds of food a week can ensure balanced nutrition. It should be noted that high-sugar diets should be reduced, because high blood sugar can damage the skin and increase the occurrence of age spots.

3. Avoid irritating age spots: If you already have age spots, do not touch, scratch, or knead them with your hands. Avoiding repeated irritation of age spots can reduce the risk of age spots getting worse. If it affects the appearance, you can go to the hospital to remove it with laser, freezing, cutting and other methods.

4. Insist on exercise: No matter how old you are, you should insist on exercise within your ability, which can promote the body's metabolism and blood circulation, provide more nutrients for skin cells, help maintain the youthful state of the skin, maintain long-term vitality, and reduce the occurrence of age spots.

To sum up, as we age, age spots are inevitable. Age spots are benign skin diseases and usually do not worsen, but be alert to age spots that have symptoms. Through a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce and delay the occurrence of age spots. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.