Age Spots or Liver Spots
What is Age Spots or Liver Spots ?
Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are also called sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Age spots can look like cancerous growths. True age spots don’t need treatment, but they are a sign the skin has received a lot of sun exposure and are an attempt by your skin to protect itself from more sun damage. For cosmetic reasons, they can be lightened or removed. You can help prevent age spots by regularly using sunscreen and avoiding the sun.
Symptoms
- Are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
- Darkened patches
- Occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure
- Range from freckle size to about 1/2 inch
- No itching
- Can group together, making them more noticeable
- The spots can vary in color
- Appear on your face, hands, neck or arms
- Smooth and same texture as the surrounding skin
- They are usually painless
Cause
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.
Risk Factors
You might be more likely to develop age spots if you:
- Have light skin
- Have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn
When to see a Doctor
Age spots don’t require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. It’s best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if a spot is black. Is increasing in size. Has an irregular border. Has an unusual combination of colors. Is bleeding.