A combination of light and dark patches simultaneously on the skin is not unusual and is more often than not the result of an allergy to the UV (ultra violet) rays of the sun. The skin produces excess melanin – skin pigment to battle the sun’s rays, but in protecting the skin it also darkens it. Assuming that this is a possible reason for your problem, it would be advisable to use a sunscreen of an SPF of at least 30 on all exposed parts of your body both when going out and within the house as the sun’s rays penetrate indoors as well.
Other reasons for these patches and the discoloration could be the result of hormonal changes, stress or malnutrition.
Of the remedies practiced, the most common include rubbing a slice of lemon onto all affected areas as it acts as a bleaching agent and lightens dark patches such as the one on your nose. Use a mixture made of a teaspoon of fuller’s earth, a teaspoon of lime juice and rose water to make a paste.
Rub it gently onto the face and wait for it to dry. Apply another coat of the mixture onto all affected areas again and leave on for around 5-10 minutes till completely dry. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and repeat the procedure everyday to get rid of dark patches. Add the juice of a lime to a cucumber peeled and grated. Mix well and then place in a blender to make a smooth paste. Apply this mixture onto the face and wait for it to dry before washing it off as often as thrice a week. This reduces blemishes and patches. Bananas are also known to have curative properties when it comes to such ailments as it nourishes the skin and erases blemishes. Peel a ripe banana and mash it into a pulp before applying it onto the face. Leave on for about 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water.
Apart from these remedies, a healthy balanced diet would help to cure the skin faster. Fruits and fruit juices, green leafy vegetables and lots of water help in keeping the skin glowing and healthy. However, if the patches refuse to leave even after trying these remedies, it would be best to consult a physician as they might be an indication of some underlying disease of the heart, liver or thyroid gland.
