Dark Spot Pictures

Freckles on Face

Mon 27 Feb 2017 19:05:31 +0200

Freckles may be seen as dark colored spots on the skin. These may be more apparent on the facial skin, especially on or around the nose. Generally, light or fair skinned people are more prone to freckled skin. Freckles get more emphasized on exposure to sunlight.

People with known hereditary tendencies of freckling should start sun protection early in childhood. Much of the sun and UV skin damage occurs often while children are under age 18.

Fair-skinned people who are more prone to freckling and sunburns are also generally more at risk for developing skin cancers. Freckles may be a warning sign of sensitive skin that is highly vulnerable to sunburn and to potential skin cancer.

In normal circumstances these pigments are distributed equally all over the skin. However, sometimes there is accumulation of melanin pigment at certain spots over the skin surface. The spots appear darker in shade than the surrounding skin due to concentration of melanin. More the melanin pigment darker is the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin pigments to protect the skin from UV rays of sunlight. If there is too much exposure to sun, melanocytes cells starts producing more pigments.

Neurofibromatosis in Children

Fri 24 Feb 2017 19:18:12 +0200

“Neurofibromatosis” is actually a term, which encompasses at least two distinct disorders. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the more common, affecting about 1/4000 people throughout the world. Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) affects about 1/40,000 people.

NF1 manifests itself at birth or during early childhood. It is a genetic condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

multiple flat, light-brown patches of skin pigment, called café-au-lait macules or spots
skinfold freckling
visible neurofibromas that appear as bumps on or under the skin
small nodules on the iris (colored part of the eye) called Lisch nodules, which do not cause problems. They’re invisible to the naked eye, but can be detected by an ophthalmologist.

Enlargement and deformity of bones and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may also be present. On occasion, people with NF1 may develop tumors in the brain, on the cranial nerves or involving the spinal cord. Since neurofibromas are wrapped around nerve fibers, they can sometimes be painful if pressure is applied to them. Neurofibromas can be removed, but the surgery may leave a scar, and the neurofibroma may grow back.

Some children with NF1 may also have plexiform neurofibromas. These are a different kind of neurofibroma. They may be large, and they can encircle and interweave with normal tissue, making them extremely hard to remove. Doctors monitor these tumors for change in size, consistency or appearance of new symptoms such as pain.

The Spots of Neurofibromatosis

Tue 21 Feb 2017 17:21:13 +0200

Café au lait spots, or café au lait (CAL) macules (CALMs), are hyperpigmented lesions that may vary in color from light brown to dark brown; this is reflected by the name of the condition, which means "coffee with milk." The borders may be smooth or irregular.

The size and number of café au lait skin lesions widely vary and are usually the earliest manifestations of neurofibromatosis. The macules may be observed in infancy, although they are typically very light in infants and can be difficult to appreciate. The skin lesions develop in early infancy, and they may enlarge in size and become obvious after age 2 years.

Café au lait macules are observed in 95% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which is the most frequently occurring neurocutaneous syndrome. These spots may also be observed in patients without NF1. Other conditions in which they may be observed include McCune-Albright syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Fanconi anemia.

Whereas small café au lait spots are associated with various syndromes, large, solitary, light-brown patches often represent segmental lentigines that are not associated with any neurocutaneous syndromes or developmental anomalies. Mosaic presentations of neurofibromatosis can also manifest localized café au lait macules or patches.

Neurofibromatosis Baby

Sun 19 Feb 2017 07:41:45 +0200

Neurofibromatosis baby is an unpredictable disorder. Its severity varies widely, even between two people in the same family. Some people with NF1 may be completely unaware they're affected, going through life with only a few café-au-lait spots and bumps on the skin. Others may develop at any time specific medical and cosmetic complications related to the disorder.

Most newborns with the NF1 gene mutation show few or no signs of the disorder. Café-au-lait spots often initially appear in the first few weeks of life, but their absence in a newborn at risk of inheriting NF1 is not a good indicator of whether or not the child has the disorder. The spots may show up later.

Neurofibromas are uncommon in infancy. One exception is the plexiform neurofibroma, a neurofibroma that most often affects multiple branches of large nerves. Plexiform neurofibromas often first appear in infancy as a soft swelling under the skin. However, their absence in a newborn is not a good indicator of whether or not one will appear later in life. Plexiform neurofibromas located deep under the skin may not emerge until they have grown.

Characteristics of NF1 in the early childhood period include the following:

Embryonal tumors
Compression injuries: Plexiform neurofibromas in the mediastinal cavity may cause compression. Back pain in a patient with café au lait lesions should always be taken seriously because this symptom may be a sign of a radiculopathy.
Optic pathway gliomas: These occur by the time the patient is aged 3 years.

Neurofibromatosis

Thu 16 Feb 2017 02:47:10 +0200

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. These tumors can develop anywhere in your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurofibromatosis is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.

In most cases of neurofibromatosis the skin is affected, causing symptoms such as:

pale, coffee-coloured patches
soft, non-cancerous bumps on or under the skin (neurofibromas)

Skin neurofibromas are usually soft and painless. Those that are under the skin are usually firmer to touch but are usually also painless. Other neurofibromas may be deep in the body and cannot be felt from the outside. They do not cause health problems generally although some may press on a nerve and symptoms may develop such as pain or numbness. In this case, you need to see your doctor. Typically, adults will acquire more neurofibromas as they age because they do not go away.

Some neurofibromas can grow in a wide, spreading fashion around large nerves and may feel like a bunch of knots or cords beneath the skin. These types of growths are called plexiforms. Sometimes they will be obvious in early life as an area of swelling but other times they can lie deeper in the body and are harder to detect. They can grow anywhere on the body and, more rarely, occasionally on the face.
When they are present near the surface they sometimes grow to a large size. If this is going to happen it usually does so within the first few years of life. These tumours can be painful if knocked and can be disfiguring depending on their size and shape.

Adults with Neurofibromatosis

Tue 14 Feb 2017 09:28:32 +0200

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes typically benign tumors of the nerves and growths in other parts of the body. Some people with this disorder have barely noticeable neurological problems, while others are affected profoundly.

Coffee-coloured patches

The most common symptom of NF1 is the appearance of painless coffee-coloured patches on the skin, known as café au lait spots. They affect 95% of people with NF1. The spots can be present at birth or develop by the time a child is three years old.

During childhood, most children with NF1 will have at least six café au lait spots around 5mm across. These grow to about 15mm during adulthood.

The number of café au lait spots someone has isn't related to the severity of the condition. For example, a person with 10 spots has the same chance of developing further problems as someone with 100 spots.

Having a couple of café au lait spots doesn't necessarily mean you have NF1. About one in 10 people without the condition have one or two of these spots.

Freckles

Another common symptom of NF1 is clusters of freckles in unusual places, such as the armpits, groin and under the breast.

Bumps on or under the skin

As a child gets older, usually during teenage years or early adulthood, they develop bumps on or under their skin (neurofibromas). These are caused by non-cancerous tumours that develop on the coverings of nerves. They may vary in size, from pea-sized to slightly bigger tumours. Some neurofibromas have a purple colour.

The number of neurofibromas a person has can vary. Some people only have a small number while others have them on large sections of their body.

Most neurofibromas aren't particularly painful, but may look unattractive, catch on clothes and occasionally cause irritation and stinging.

However, if neurofibromas develop where multiple branches of nerves come together (plexiform neurofibromas), they can cause large swellings. Plexiform neurofibromas sometimes occur on the skin, but may also develop on larger nerves deeper in the body. They may sometimes cause symptoms including pain, weakness, numbness, bleeding, or bladder or bowel changes.

Neurofibromatosis Early Stages

Thu 09 Feb 2017 21:50:59 +0200

Neurofibromatosis usually appears in childhood. Signs are often evident at birth or shortly afterward, and almost always by age 10. Signs and symptoms are often mild to moderate, but can vary in severity.

Signs and symptoms include:

Flat, light brown spots on the skin (cafe au lait spots). These harmless spots are common in many people. Having more than six cafe au lait spots is a strong indication of NF1. They are usually present at birth or appear during the first years of life and then stabilize.
Freckling in the armpits or groin area. Freckling usually appears by ages 3 to 5. Freckles are smaller than cafe au lait spots and tend to occur in clusters in skin folds.
Tiny bumps on the iris of your eye (Lisch nodules). These harmless nodules can't easily be seen and don't affect your vision.
Soft bumps on or under the skin (neurofibromas). These benign tumors usually develop in or under the skin, but can also grow inside of the body. Sometimes, a growth will involve multiple nerves (plexiform neurofibroma).
Bone deformities. Abnormal bone growth and a deficiency in bone mineral density can cause bone deformities such as a curved spine (scoliosis) or bowed lower leg.
Tumor on the optic nerve (optic glioma). These tumors usually appear by age 3, rarely in late childhood and adolescence, and almost never in adults.
Learning disabilities. Impaired thinking skills are common in children with NF1, but are usually mild. Often there is a specific learning disability, such as problem with reading or mathematics. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also common.
Larger than average head size. Children with NF1 tend to have a larger than average head size due to increased brain volume.
Short stature. Children with NF1 often are below average in height.

Freckles on Legs

Wed 08 Feb 2017 20:33:18 +0200

Freckles are flat, tanned circular spots that typically are the size of the head of a common nail. The spots are multiple and may develop on sun-exposed skin after repeated exposure to sunlight. These are particularly common in people of fair complexion on upper-body skin areas like the cheeks, nose, arms, and upper shoulders. In rare instances they may also occur on legs.

Although freckles on leg are not as common as those seen on other exposed parts of body, the underlying cause remains the same. Frequent and too much exposure to sunlight for a long duration is primary reason for development of the tanned spots on legs.

Freckles on leg are frequently observed among people who wear shorts and keep their leg exposed to sunlight for long duration. They are more obvious among fair skinned individuals with red hair and blue eyes. Persons playing certain sports in sunlight wearing shorts are vulnerable to develop such spots on their leg. It is also common among women and men who remain exposed to too much of sunlight while sunbathing.

Freckles on leg are harmless skin blemishes, however many people may not like them due to cosmetic reasons. There are many options available for those who wish to get rid of such tanned spots on their legs.

If freckles on leg are difficult to be removed with conventional home remedies, you can talk to your dermatologist for other options. Laser therapy, chemical peels are effective in getting rid of freckles on legs completely. However, they are expensive as compared to home remedies.

Von Recklinghausen’s Disease

Mon 06 Feb 2017 12:46:40 +0200

Von Recklinghausen’s disease (VRD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of tumors on the nerves. The disease can also affect the skin and cause bone deformities.
The most common form of VRD is NF1. This disease causes tumors called neurofibromas in the tissues and organs of the body. According to the Dental Research Journal, VRD is one of the most common genetic disorders and affects about 1 in 3,000 people.

Symptoms of VRD affecting the skin include the following:

Café au lait macules are tan spots in different sizes and shapes. They can be found in multiple places on the skin.
Freckles can occur under the arms or in the groin area.
Neurofibromas are tumors around or on peripheral nerves.
Plexiform neurofibromas are tumors affecting the nerve bundles.

Other signs and symptoms of VRD include the following

Lisch nodules are growths affecting the iris of the eyes.
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland. Ten percent of these tumors are cancerous.
Liver enlargement can occur.
Glioma is a tumor of the optic nerve.

Bone involvement from VRD includes short stature, deformities of bones, and scoliosis, or abnormal curvature, of the spine.

All patients should have yearly neurological exams and yearly eye exams.

Bowenoid Papulosis in Men

Sun 05 Feb 2017 18:51:16 +0200

Bowenoid papulosis in men was described in 1977 by Kopf and Bart as papules on the penis. It presents as single or multiple small, red, brown or flesh-coloured spots or patches on the genitals. In males it is a type of penile intraepithelial neoplasia.

Although most cases of Bowenoid papulosis are benign (harmless) a small percentage may transform into invasive squamous cell carcinoma (penile cancer).

Sexually active people may be at risk of getting Bowenoid papulosis and it tends to occur in younger men. As in genital warts, HPV transmission is most often passed through direct skin-to-skin sexual contact. So partners of patients with BP should be screened for other forms of intraepithelial neoplasia (cervical, penile, vulvar and anal).

Treatment options for bowenoid papulosis may include:

surgery
laser surgery
cryosurgery
topical chemotherapy (given as a cream applied to the skin)

5-flurouracil (Adrucil, 5-FU)
podophyllin (Pod-Ben-25, Podofin)
retinoic acid

topical biological therapy

imiquimod (Aldara)
interferon

curettage and electrodessication

In male partners, periodic anogenital examination may be of benefit.

Immunomodulators have been reported as effective treatment for bowenoid papulosis and may lengthen the remission period of lesions.

Bowenoid Papulosis

Wed 01 Feb 2017 10:29:36 +0200

Bowenoid papulosis is now most commonly known to occur on the genitalia of both sexes in sexually active people. Bowenoid papulosis is manifested as papules that are induced virally by human papillomavirus (HPV) and demonstrate a distinctive histopathology (bowenoid dysplasia). Many bowenoid papulosis lesions appear to run a benign course, although a number of case reports associate bowenoid papulosis with malignant invasive transformation (2.6%).

Bowenoid papulosis may be considered to be a transitional state between a genital wart and Bowen disease. The rate of transformation of bowenoid papulosis lesions is unknown. Clearly, bowenoid papulosis lesions have some malignant potential, but they may be treated with locally destructive modalities, sparing the surrounding tissues. Bowenoid papulosis lesions often are multifocal, and patients should be observed for recurrence and for the possibility of invasive or in situ malignancy.

Bowenoid papulosis is an asymptomatic focal epidermal hyperplasia and dysplasia induced by HPV infection (most commonly by HPV 16). The result can appear as a papule or multiple papules that sometimes coalesce, as patches, or as plaques. Histologically, they are composed of scattered atypical cells or full-thickness epidermal atypia that some view as analogous to squamous cell carcinoma in situ. This epidermal atypia is sometimes known as bowenoid dysplasia.

Bowenoid papulosis occurs primarily in young, sexually active adults, with a mean age of 31 years. Because Bowenoid papulosis usually runs a benign course with many cases spontaneously regressing, treatment is often unnecessary. Lesions should be re-examined every 3 to 6 months so that any changes may be picked up early.

Melasma (Chloasma)

Mon 30 Jan 2017 17:59:25 +0200

Melasma (Chloasma) is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin. Doctors call this hyperpigmentation. It typically occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks and above the upper lip. The dark patches often appear on both sides of the face in a nearly identical pattern. The darker-colored patches of skin can be any shade, from tan to deep brown. Rarely, these dark patches may appear on other sun-exposed areas of the body.

Melasma occurs much more often in women than in men, and usually is associated with hormonal changes. That is why the dark patches develop often during pregnancy, or if a woman is taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives. Melasma during pregnancy is relatively common. Sometimes it is called the "mask of pregnancy" or "chloasma." The dark patches typically last until the pregnancy ends.

The most important factor in the development of melasma is exposure to sunlight. Using medications that make you sensitive to the sun (photosensitizing) can increase your risk of developing melasma. These can include some cosmetics and medicines used to treat ovarian or thyroid problems. Protection from the sun is a necessary part of treatment of melasma. For example, women who are pregnant or who take a hormone medication and avoid the sun are less likely to develop melasma than are those who spend a lot of time in the sun.

Darker patches of skin appear on the forehead, temples, cheeks or above the upper lip. The symptoms are strictly cosmetic — you won't feel ill, and the darker skin won't be sore.

A doctor will diagnose melasma simply by looking at your skin. Your medical history will help to determine any factors that may have caused the disorder.

Your doctor may use a special lamp that gives off ultraviolet light. This allows the doctor to see patterns and depth of skin discoloration more clearly.