What does skin pigmentation look like?

Melanin determines the color of human skin. This substance is formed to protect the body from exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the deep layer of the epidermis. The appearance of spots, uneven skin pigmentation, and various types of freckles are caused by a malfunction in the functioning of pigment cells. These skin changes do not always have only a cosmetic effect.

What is skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation is the result of melanocytes or pigment cells. Basic racial and territorial characteristics shape the shade of skin that we can see. But in rare cases, dysfunction of specialized cells can cause low or high levels of color in certain areas. The epidermis contains four main pigments:

1. yellow – carotene pigment;
2. brown – melanin;
3. blue – deoxyhemoglobin;
4. red – oxyhemoglobin.

Their combination characterizes the color of pigmentation, which will appear for one reason or another. A natural change in pigment is tanning. The lighter the skin, the more pronounced the pigmentation reaction will be. If pigment spots, moles, or other changes appear on the skin for no obvious reason, then you should think about visiting a doctor.

Causes of skin pigmentation

Some age spots are purely a cosmetic problem if it bothers a person. Some of the pigmentation formations exist from birth and do not pose any health hazard. But there are changes in the color background that indicate serious diseases that can threaten the patient’s life. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the true cause of skin pigmentation:

1. exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
2. changes in hormone balance;
3. hepatitis A (liver and gallbladder diseases);
4. inappropriate cosmetics and improper care;
5. skin injuries;
6. age-related aging;
7. melanoma;
8. genetic predisposition or genomic defect (for example, albinism);
9. dysfunction of the endocrine system.

Causes of pigmentation on the face

Local accumulations of melanin can appear in various forms on any part of the body. Their appearance on the face is especially upsetting for women. Some of them can be hidden with makeup, but sometimes they are so obvious that it is impossible to disguise them. Most cases can be eliminated with drugs or cosmetics, but the presence of permanent spots on the face will have to be tolerated. The causes of pigmentation on the face can be very different:

1. changes in hormonal levels (chloasma) - occurs during menopause, pregnancy, and the use of hormones;
2. injury to the skin by peeling, cosmetics or ultraviolet radiation;
3. nervous disorders and stress;
4. aging and fading.

Pigment spots on the stomach

The localization of pigment spots on the abdomen can indicate not only the above problems. Pigmentation often changes during pregnancy. After childbirth and stabilization of the hormonal background, the formations disappear on their own. In addition, it is worth noting some other reasons for the appearance of age spots on the stomach:

1. yellowish spots indicate problems with the liver, pancreas and excess cholesterol in the body;
2. characteristic changes in the form of clear coin-shaped formations are a symptom of lichen;
3. Commonly known urticaria is an allergic reaction to medications, foods, animal bites, or contact with tissue.

Types of skin pigmentation

Skin disorders come in several varieties. They directly depend on the etiology of the disease or external causes. Types of skin pigmentation:

1. Freckles (ephelids). Characteristic of fair-skinned and red-haired people. In most cases, these pigment spots appear on exposed areas of the skin when melanin is converted to tyrosine. They do not pose any danger to the owner.
2. Chloasma. They appear as darkening of the skin, dark brown or yellow-brown areas. Larger than freckles, with jagged borders. Their appearance on the face in the forehead, eyelids, temples and mouth is a consequence of severe dysfunction of internal organs, including cirrhosis of the liver and oncology.
3. Lentigo. The spots are dark brown and round in shape. Benign pigmentation, which can appear at any age and remains until the end of life.
4. Age (liver) spots. Appear after 45 years, but sometimes in young people. They indicate age-related hormonal changes in the body.
5. Birthmarks and moles. Formations of different colors that are present from birth or appear throughout life. In most cases, they do not cause any discomfort and do not interfere with life. Attention should be paid to large moles that change in shape and color. Such neoplasms can eventually degenerate into a malignant tumor.
6. Vitiligo. Changes in pigmentation of unknown etiology. The color of the formations can vary from almost invisible against the general background to milky white or pink. With this disease, melanin ceases to be produced completely.
7. Albinism. Severe congenital disease with catastrophic impairment. The skin and hair with it are completely white, and the iris of the eye is red. The incidence of such a change is 50 cases per million people.

Treatment of age spots

Elimination of the manifestations of melanin and its improper formation on the skin directly depends on the etiology of the disease. It makes no sense to remove some formations, since they do not pose a threat to human life and health. Such defects may be considered purely cosmetic. On the other hand, it is very important to begin treating age spots, which are symptoms of serious diseases. Depending on the cause of the disease and how the pigmentation manifests itself, the method of treatment is selected. Based on this, the following treatment methods can be determined:

1. Cosmetic defects are removed using cosmetic surgeries: laser correction, whitening, peeling. Such methods make it possible to influence non-malignant formations without the danger of harming internal organs. Naturally, if all procedures are carried out in professional salons with certified products.
2. Cryotherapy is used on small areas because it can cause burns, scars and scars after use.
3. Pigment spots and excess melanin, which are signs of disease, can be removed only by eliminating the original disease. Cosmetic effects on them are completely useless. In addition, ignoring pigmentation as a symptom will only worsen the health condition, even leading to death in the case of cancer problems.

Treatment of age spots on the face

It is possible to remove unwanted pigmentation and freckles if it is not a manifestation of severe internal diseases, a hereditary defect or a natural age-related change. After the disease is cured, the spots will disappear on their own, without even needing additional cosmetics. And cosmetic defects require work with a cosmetologist. The main thing to remember is that the treatment of age spots on the face and their removal should be carried out only after a comprehensive consultation with doctors in order to exclude possible internal problems.

Treatment with cream

Special whitening creams for skin pigmentation should be purchased at a pharmacy. They may differ in composition and have different intensity of impact, but most experts agree that you should not expect a bright result. Such creams minimize some minor defects, but nothing more. In addition, incorrect application can add new stains.

Folk remedies for skin pigmentation

Some folk remedies for skin pigmentation can achieve better results than visiting beauty salons. Washing with milk, citric acid, natural compresses from currants and other fruits - all this can be used with modern medicine. Here are some of them recipes:

1. Pour 5 inflorescences of black elderberry or viburnum berries with a glass of hot water and leave for 15 minutes. Place napkins or a mask soaked in the broth on the problem area for no longer than 10 minutes. Repeat daily until results are obtained.
2. Mix 5 tablespoons of bodyaga powder and hydrogen peroxide, bring to a paste-like consistency. Apply a small amount to pigmented areas using gloves, lightly rubbing. After complete drying, rinse with warm water, wipe dry, and powder the skin with talcum powder. Course - 1 procedure in 5 days. Do not use on sensitive, dry or thin skin.
3. Watermelon pulp will help reduce freckles. First, you should wipe the skin with vegetable oil, and then apply a compress of fruit pulp for 10-15 minutes. Then remove and wipe with clean cloths.

Prevention of skin pigmentation

Provided that a person does not have specific diseases that manifest themselves on the epidermis, preventing skin pigmentation involves following a few simple rules:

1. compliance with the temporary regime of exposure to the sun and the use of ultraviolet radiation, for example, in a solarium;
2. use proven cosmetics and medications to prevent an allergic reaction;
3. apply special creams on the beach.

Photo of age spots

Video: hyperpigmentation on the face

Reviews

Olga, 35 years old The whole face and arms up to the elbows are covered with freckles. I tried all available methods - creams, peeling, abrasive cleaning, acids. In the end, they only helped with laser correction. I didn’t get rid of the spots completely, but they became barely noticeable. It turns out to be masked with a very light layer of cosmetics, depending on the need.

Irina, 27 years old Small yellow-brown spots began to appear on her face at the temples. At first I disguised it with cosmetics and didn’t pay much attention, I thought it was the consequences of a vacation in the sun. But they began to appear brighter. The dermatologist sent me for a full examination. As a result, it turned out that problems began with the pancreas.

Irina, 34 years old I was convinced a long time ago that whitening creams do not prevent pigmentation; everything is clear from the name. They will only lighten the skin, along with the spots. If the issue is purely cosmetic, go directly to a cosmetologist, and choose a procedure that suits your budget. The main thing is not to experiment on your own with grandma’s recipes, otherwise it will become even worse.

Skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation is the appearance of areas darker or lighter than the base color of the skin. Experts say that in more than half of cases it occurs under the influence of solar radiation, about a quarter of cases are associated with hormonal disorders, and about 20% occur during pregnancy.

The mechanism by which pigmentation errors occur is quite complex. The main role in it is played by melanin, which serves as a skin protector from ultraviolet exposure. It is formed in cells called melanocytes located in the basal layer of the dermis. There are approximately 1.2 thousand such cells in 1 cm 2 of skin. Through the tubules-desmosomes, melanin rises to the upper layer of the skin (phagocytosis). This process is activated in the sun: tanning is the body’s protective reaction to exposure to UV radiation.

Skin pigmentation freckles photo

Phagocytosis is regulated by melanocyte-stimulating hormones. This is a complex chemical reaction that sometimes goes wrong. This is why skin hyperpigmentation often occurs due to hormonal imbalance or pregnancy.

Factors provocateurs

The main factors provoking pigmentation disorders are:

1. exposure to the sun, since darkening of the skin is a natural reaction to UV radiation;
2. hormonal imbalances, since these substances are responsible for the release of melanin;
3. age, which is associated with changes in the structure of the skin.

If you add up all the factors, you can understand why the problem of excess pigmentation mainly affects women during menopause.

Types of pigmentation

There are several types of skin discoloration. Some of them have no cosmetic defect and are harmless to health. Others require research and treatment.

Freckles

Dark spots on the face and body, scientifically called ephelides, are characteristic of a specific genetic type. They appear mainly in people with northern roots, red or blond hair. In some periods of social development, freckles become fashionable, in others their owners strive to get rid of them. Today, perky spots on the nose are even applied using tattooing.

In rare cases, freckles actually spoil the appearance, but most often the desire to get rid of them is the whim of the housewife. The presence of freckles is a sign of increased sensitivity to solar radiation. Their owners must use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or more; they are prohibited from staying in the scorching sun for a long time - this can lead to sunstroke.

The first freckles appear at the age of 4-6 years, by the age of 30 they usually become smaller, that is, they can be called a sign of youth. They darken in the sun, turning pale during the long winter. This type of pigmentation is not a disease and does not threaten the owner in any way; they do not have an increased number of melanocytes. What distinguishes them from lentigo is that they become more pronounced after exposure to the sun. There are light and heavy ephelides. The latter occur in areas of severe sunburn.

Lentigo

These are spots similar to freckles or flat moles that do not change color intensity depending on the period. Unlike freckles, some types of lentigo can develop into cancer.

Senile lentigo occurs most often (in people over 60, mostly women). It is this type of pigmentation that requires observation by a specialist. This nevus usually appears first on the hands, then spreads to the face. Experts explain this phenomenon by a decrease in the number of melanocytes, which has been observed since the age of 30, and errors in the transport of melanin. Senile lentigo looks like small spots of various shapes on the face, arms and neck (mottled pigmentation).

Also isolated is solar lentigo, which often occurs in fair-skinned people. Its location is usually the hands, face, neck and shoulders. The spots may spread and merge. The average initial diameter is 0.5 cm. This type of hyperpigmentation has no connection with systemic diseases, but indicates an increased sensitivity of its owners to the sun.

Juvenile lentigo is often localized on the lips and glans penis; this phenomenon is not dangerous. Its spots have clear edges and do not exceed 0.5 cm in diameter.

Chloasma

Pigmentation spots that usually occur against the background of hormonal stress in the body. Chloasma often occurs during pregnancy (“mask of pregnant women”, a brown stripe on the abdomen), and usually disappears after childbirth. To prevent the occurrence of pigmentation, pregnant women should refrain from prolonged exposure to the sun and beach holidays. “Mask of pregnant women” can occur even in dark-skinned women, so while expecting a baby, it is recommended to use children’s sunscreens with factor 50.

Chloasma, not associated with pregnancy, is localized on the abdomen, face (often around the mouth, temples, eyelids), and nipples. It may be a sign of disease (tuberculosis, cancer) or dysfunction of certain organs (ovaries, liver). These spots themselves are not dangerous and only cause psychological discomfort to the owner.

Birthmark

It is also affectionately called a mole or scientifically a nevus, it occurs due to the overfilling of skin cells with pigment and degeneration into melanocytes. Moles can be flat, flush with the skin, or convex. The color range is quite wide - various shades of brown, black, red and even purple. The last two types are an overgrown vessel and are not pigment spots. A mole that appears on the body, or an old one that has grown, is a reason to contact a dermatologist, since it may be a sign of a serious illness, in particular skin cancer.

There is no need to remove small moles. They often add personality to the look. Medium and large nevi should be shown to a specialist.

Senile keratoma

This is a benign scaly neoplasm of gray-brown color. Most often localized on the arms, neck, back and chest. May degenerate into cancer.

Methods to combat skin pigmentation

If pigmentation appears unexpectedly, before it can be eliminated, it is necessary to find out its cause and nature. If the dermatologist has declared the skin pigmentation safe, you can begin lightening activities.

Folk remedies

In the fight against superficial skin pigmentation, folk recipes show high effectiveness. Many fruit juices are a natural skin lightener. Their use is also a gentle peeling. Lemon and grapefruit juice, kiwi and apricot pulp are used to lighten the skin. Fresh carrot juice is used as a natural skin bronzer; its use will make age spots less noticeable.

Of the herbs, parsley, oregano, licorice, dandelion, and bearberry have proven effective in combating hyperpigmentation. Essential oils of mint, patchouli, birch, and sandalwood are used in the masks. On the Internet you can find a large number of recipes for whitening masks based on fermented milk products. When choosing a folk remedy, refrain from extreme formulations, for example, masks with hydrogen peroxide.

Chemical peeling

Chemical peels of varying depths of exposure work well against hyperpigmentation of the skin, simultaneously rejuvenating and smoothing it. If the pigment is deeply embedded, deep peeling (grinding) must be used, which can leave a depigmented white area.

Laser

Laser techniques are suitable for eliminating individual areas of pigmentation, for example, birthmarks. The advantages of the technique are that after its use there are no marks left - scars or whitish spots. For superficial pigment spots, 1-2 sessions are enough, for deeper ones – 4-5. This method is not suitable for freckles - they are usually located over a large area, and the effect of the laser is quite painful, and the cost of the procedure is quite high. In addition, the use of a laser can stimulate the formation of new freckles when exposed to sunlight.

Laser resurfacing

This is a comprehensive technique that will not only lighten age spots, but also rejuvenate the skin and improve its condition. This cosmetic procedure is recommended for people over 35 years old, at an earlier age - according to individual indications.

Skin pigmentation photo

Cryotherapy

Some types of skin hyperpigmentation can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. In this way, moles and often injured single senile lentigines can be removed. After removal, a whitish spot may form.

Photorejuvenation

This modern non-invasive hardware technique successfully combats freckles, lentigines, and small birthmarks. Photorejuvenation will not only lighten age spots, but also improve the condition of the skin. It can be recommended as the best way to get rid of pigmentation on large areas of the skin. The procedure is painless, treatment is carried out in a course.

Electrocoagulation

This hardware technique is suitable for removing moles. The tumor can be removed in one visit, but a scar or scar may remain at the site of the nevus.

Surgery

If the neoplasm has a large area and depth, a scalpel is sometimes used. Traces will remain at the removal site and a scar may form.

Regardless of the nature of hyperpigmentation, there are reliable ways to completely get rid of it or lighten it. Try to choose gentle methods (folk remedies, skincare cosmetics) and techniques (laser or photorejuvenation). Remember prevention.

Pigment spots appear on the human body with enviable consistency. Moreover, their education does not depend at all on gender - they are found in both women and men. But despite such prevalence, for many it still remains a mystery why they form and how to deal with them.

Why do age spots appear?

Skin pigmentation is due to a disorder in the production of melanin. This substance is the main factor determining skin color. When there is a disruption in the production of melanin, the color of the skin begins to change, and this often occurs in spots.

In most cases, such changes in the skin are benign and even reversible. However, there are also spots that can only be removed surgically.

Skin pigmentation, the causes of which are quite varied, for many is primarily a cosmetic defect that spoils a person’s appearance.

And here it’s worth understanding what causes changes in the skin so that you can correct the situation. The list of reasons for the development of hyperpigmentation:

1. Adolescence, when hormone fluctuations are observed;
2. Taking hormonal contraceptives, mainly COCs;
3. Pregnancy and childbirth;
4. Malfunctions of the endocrine system;
5. Exposure to sunlight;
6. Abuse of visits to the solarium;
7. Lack of beneficial microelements in human nutrition;
8. Metabolism failures;
9. Allergic reactions;
10. Skin infections;
11. Complication of acne;
12. Skin aging (and the appearance of spots here is considered natural);
13. Oncological formations;
14. Frequent stress;
15. Diseases of the digestive system, mainly the liver or gall bladder.

If pigmentation is caused by pregnancy or taking hormonal medications, there is an option that the spots will go away after childbirth or at the end of the course of therapy. As for the effects of ultraviolet radiation, stains can persist forever.

Therefore, before going out into the sun, it is imperative to protect your skin. Lack of vitamins and metabolic failures lead to a general imbalance in the body. Therefore, the appearance of stains is completely justified.

One of the main reasons for the appearance of pigmentation on the skin is exposure to sunlight. Melanin is a natural protection against excess ultraviolet radiation.

If the body works normally, then the reaction to the sun will only be a tan. When malfunctions begin, the pigments are distributed unevenly, causing the accumulation of formations of different shapes.

It is worth considering that stains that formed under the influence of external factors are easier to correct than those that appeared due to the influence of internal catalysts.

The most common types of age spots

In men, age spots on the body can appear for various reasons. Basically, they develop due to age-related changes, due to kidney and liver diseases, frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun. In women, age spots usually appear more often due to hormonal changes.

There may be either red or brown pigment spots on the body. The latter, by the way, are more traditional. If spots appear on the chest, legs, arms or other parts of the body, you need to thoroughly understand the situation and determine the catalysts of the problem.

For example, the factors behind the appearance of pigment spots under the arms are varied: the reasons can be either hormonal imbalances or the use of low-quality deodorants.

Also, often such neoplasms also peel off. Then additional treatment is required to cope with the problem.

There are several different types of stains:

Lentigo

A pigment spot of this kind is primary hypermelanosis. It can occur in people aged 10 to 70 years. Round or oval spots appear on the skin; they occupy 1-2 cm in diameter.

The color of these can be varied - light brown, dark brown, black. The color directly depends on the duration of their existence.

Lentigines occur most often in the neck, face, chest and arms. Pigment spots on the shoulders, limbs, etc. often form due to sun exposure and age.

Freckles

The reasons for pigmentation in this case are especially due to too light skin in some people, heredity, and age-related changes. Due to hyperpigmentation, freckles begin to appear in childhood - from the age of 4. But they can also develop at an older age, usually after the age of 30.

These not too dark spots are small in diameter - up to 0.4 mm. Localized on:

The number of such spots may increase, and this happens mainly in the warm season, when exposure to ultraviolet radiation is strongest. This type of pigmentation disorder is not considered pathological and does not require therapy. However, people are often tormented by such a cosmetic defect, and they try with all their might to get rid of it.

Chloasma

This type of pigmentation is the accumulation of melanin in the cells of the epidermis of two layers at once - the spinous and basal layers, as well as in the superficial layers of the dermis.

Chloasma is typical for people aged 20-50 years. Mostly the defect is localized in the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, cheekbones, and neck. But pigment spots may also appear on the abdomen and limbs. The reasons for pigmentation in this case lie in the level of hormones.

The problem is especially often associated with the course of pregnancy, any pathological processes in the uterus, the presence of tumors in the ovaries, or the use of oral contraceptives.

Melasma

These types of age spots are often equated to chloasma. But at the same time, their development is not associated with reproductive organs. The cause of such skin pigmentation is malfunction of internal organs, such as the liver, as well as exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Melasma can be temporary, appearing in the spring or summer, or due to hormonal surges. They can also be chronic, when the spots do not disappear, but only fade.

Broca's pigmentary dermatosis

Skin pigmentation of this type stands out as a separate issue. This problem is typical for middle-aged women, i.e. over 30 but under 40 years of age. Moreover, they must have hormonal dysfunction of the ovaries or problems with the digestive system.

Dermatosis is expressed in the appearance of spots in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle - all lesions have clear boundaries, but may also differ in vague outlines. They are yellow-brown in color, but the intensity can vary, sometimes even turning pale.

Treatment of age spots

Pigment spots, the treatment of which is carried out in almost all cases, requires an individual approach in each specific case. The selection of therapy is solely the prerogative of the doctor, who, based on test data and visual examination, will determine what the problem is and offer comprehensive treatment options.

Today, to solve the problem of pigmentation, the attending physician offers:

1. Drug therapy;
2. Cosmetology procedures carried out in salons, for example, the use of laser;
3. Using cosmetics such as ointments and creams;
4. Ethnoscience.

If the spots itch, symptomatic therapy may be offered to help avoid infection when actively scratching such spots. Treatment programs and procedures are compiled depending on the severity of the situation and the complexity of the process.

Medicines in action

To treat hyperpigmentation, it is often proposed to use drugs that inhibit melanin production. Traditionally, folic, ascorbic, and kojenic acids reduce hyperpigmentation. This means that the drug should be selected based on such options.

Among the available options they offer:

1. Cream Melanativ;
2. Clotrimazole ointment;
3. Syntomycin acid;
4. Salicylic alcohol.

These medications should be used according to clear instructions suggested by your doctor. To notice any tangible effect from them, you will have to use such options for 4-8 weeks. It is imperative to monitor the condition of the skin so as not to dry it out.

Laser exposure

Laser treatment of pigmentation is one of the modern methods of therapy. Its main advantages:

1. Painless;
2. Minimum trauma;
3. Point of impact;
4. Efficiency at the highest level.

During the procedure, a laser beam is directed at the spot. During the process, the laser begins to destroy the accumulated melanin in the epidermis, and the defect area begins to lighten. Pigmentation can be cured in several sessions.

You should be prepared for the fact that after the first session the spots will begin to peel off. After the surface of the defect, in whatever part of the body it is located, is cleared, everything will return to normal.

Peeling

Another option for getting rid of age spots is to use peeling. Chemical peeling of the face is a procedure where a special composition of chemical compounds is applied to the defect areas.

They allow you to remove pigment spots by lightening them. Among the most popular options are peels based on salicylic acid or triacetic acid.

This procedure ensures normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, and reduces the appearance of new pigmentation and acne. Chemical peeling also smooths out wrinkles.

For more information about this procedure, read the article: “Peeling for pigmentation.”

Cosmetical tools

Light brown spots on the body can be eliminated, or at least tried to be eliminated, with the help of cosmetics. For example, through the use of whitening creams. For mild pigmentation, for example, light freckles or a number of age spots on the skin, you can use simple kefir-based whitening masks.

Doctors, answering the question: how to treat age spots, offer from ready-made pharmaceutical options:

1. Neoton cream, which is recommended for use during the day. It contains mineral filters to protect against UV rays, as well as salicylic, ascorbic and glycolic acids. All of them help to whiten defects and provide exfoliation of defective particles;
2. Skinoren - a drug in the form of a gel and cream contains azelaic acid, due to which it can not only eliminate pigmentation, but also fight inflammation and bacteria on the skin;
3. Biocon whitening cream: it is based on herbal extracts - bearberry, white lily, licorice, etc. It also contains ascorbic and lactic acids, which protect the skin from melanin synthesis on two levels at once.

The doctor should prescribe the cream based on a visual examination. He must evaluate the prospects of a particular therapy and select the appropriate one.

ethnoscience

Among the folk methods, various lotions with herbal infusions are used. An excellent solution would be herbs that have a whitening effect.

For therapy, it is enough to simply brew this or that herb, and then regularly wipe your face with cotton swabs.

The main thing to consider is that herbs can be an allergen, so you should test yourself in advance for susceptibility to certain components of the collection in order to exclude unexpected manifestations. Courses of treatment will be long, because... herbs traditionally have a cumulative effect.

Photo of age spots

Pigment spots on the body, photos of which are abundant on the Internet, can look different. Some are quite neat and small - they cannot even be called defects.

Others are serious skin growths that can seriously detract from a person's appearance. Naturally, in the latter case, such a spot bothers its owner more than, for example, a simple freckle. And these are the ones they try to get rid of in the first place.

Pigment spots are an unpleasant phenomenon, but not fatal. You shouldn’t let them take their course, especially if they began to appear suddenly and in large quantities. You should definitely visit a doctor to determine the reasons.

After all, hyperpigmentation can indicate various types of disorders in the body, some of which require urgent treatment.