Why is my neck turning dark?
Why is my neck turning dark?
A sudden darkness of the neck and chest area in children can be caused by several reasons. The most common cause of such darkening of the skin, apart from pigmentation, is the presence of moles, as well as freckles. In many cases, these are usually not dangerous and pose no health risk to the child. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your concerns if your child has a sudden appearance of dark blotches on his or her neck, face or chest. That way you can find out whether it’s time to seek medical attention. Learn more here!
Reasons behind the darkness
Certain foods, such as beets and carrots, contain powerful pigments that can stain our skin. This discoloration isn’t typically dangerous, but it does make us look more like vampires than we’d care to admit. A diet rich in these pigments causes an increase in production of melanin—the same pigment that colors your hair and makes it darker—which leads to darkening of skin. The change in color can last from a few days to several weeks.
Ways to lighten it
Using natural skin-lightening products is an effective way to lighten your dark skin naturally. However, these products are less likely to work if you use them alone. Combine them with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Prolonged exposure to sun can cause tan lines
Skin becomes discolored when it’s directly exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. But if you spend too much time in shade, your skin also needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D, which aids in bone and tissue growth. To solve both problems, try a combination of sun and shade. Time your outdoor activities during peak sun hours (when UV rays are strongest) when your body has more capacity to cope with exposure.
Beware of unprotected exposure
The sun can cause your skin to tan, but it also damages skin through a process called free radical damage. This damage results in aging of skin and an increased risk of skin cancer. Be aware that sun exposure at all hours of day—even if it’s cloudy outside—can also be harmful. To reduce damage from UV rays, wear SPF 30+ sunscreen every day and avoid unprotected outdoor exposure during peak sunlight hours (11 a.m.–4 p.m.).
What causes discoloration?
Neck discoloration, also known as sun spots or age spots, refers to a collection of brownish or black dots that appear on your skin. These dots are often circular in shape and are most often found on your face, hands and arms. Sun spots can also appear on other areas of your body, including: abdomen (belly), back, buttocks and legs.
Time and natural healing process is your solution
The discoloration that happens to your skin in a certain area of your body is called hyperpigmentation, and it’s very common. It can also be quite annoying, especially if you’re self-conscious about it. Even though there are treatments available to help you get rid of dark spots, most dermatologists recommend waiting them out. These treatments often include steroids or hydroquinone, which can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays in sunlight.