Seven Myths About Sun Spots
| 1. |
MYTH: Sun spots are only common in individuals with darker skin tone. FACT: Regardless of your skin type, dark- and light-skinned people are equally prone to developing sun spots. |
| 2. |
MYTH: Sun spots are contagious. FACT: Although it is an infection, it is not contagious, as the yeast normally lives in the skin. Some people may be genetically susceptible to sun spots. Other factors that may contribute to the development of sun spots include malnutrition, use of oral contraceptives, and hyperhidrosis. Studies have shown that a previous history of sun spots makes a person more vulnerable to future sun spots. The recurrence rate of sun spots after stopping treatment is as high as 60% the first year and 80% the second year. |
| 3. |
MYTH: Sun spots can cause cancer. FACT: Sun spots are a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It is harmless and not related to cancer whatsoever. But any type of over exposure to the sun can cause Melanoma, which is cancer of the skin. Daily use of sunscreen is always recommended. |
| 4. |
MYTH: Sun spots are caused by the sun. FACT: Though sun spots are most commonly found in individuals that live in tropical areas with high humidity and high temperatures, the fungal infection is not caused by the sun. Sun exposure will only make the fungal infection more apparent. It is a common skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin's surface. Other factors that may cause sun spots are: Excessive sweating; Oily skin; Hormonal changes; and Immunosuppression (this is when your immune system is unable to protect your body from the growth of yeast or fungus on your skin or elsewhere). |
| 5. |
MYTH: I can get rid of my sun spots by going out in the sun to even out my skin tone. FACT: Going out in the sun will only worsen the condition. The only way to treat, eliminate and/or control sun spots is to avoid or minimize sun exposure and to use a medicated treatment for the condition, such as ZunSpot. |
| 6. |
MYTH: Sun spots should only be treated in the summer months. FACT: Even though sun spots may be more apparent during the summer months, treatment is still recommended year long in order to prevent the recurrence of the infection. The recurrence rate of sun spots after cessation of treatment is as high as 60% for the first year and 80% for the second year. |
| 7. |
MYTH:
Sun spots can only appear in your upper body. FACT: Although the upper body is the area where sun spots are more common, this fungal infection of the skin can appear in other areas including legs and groin. |
