Age spots (liver spots)

Description

Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are also called sun spots, liver spots and solar lentigines.

Age spots are very common in adults older than 50 years old, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.

Age spots can look like cancerous growths. True age spots do not require treatment, but they are a sign that the skin has received a lot of exposure to the sun and are an attempt on the part of your skin to protect themselves from the more sun damage. For aesthetic reasons, that can be clarified or removed.

You can help to prevent age spots regularly, using sunscreen and avoiding the sun.

Symptoms

Age spots can affect people of all skin types, but are more common in adults with skin burns easily. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and go with the non-exposure to the sun, age spots do not fade.

Age spots:

  • They are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation.
  • They are generally light brown to dark brown.
  • Occur in skin that has had the most exposure to the sun over the years, as the backs of the hands, the upper part of the feet, the face, the shoulders and the upper back.
  • Range freckle size of approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) wide.
  • You can ggroup together, which makes them more noticeable.

When to see a doctor

Age spots do not require medical attention. Ask your doctor to look at the points that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

It is best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if the spot:

  • It is black in color.
  • Is increasing in size.
  • Has an irregular border.
  • Has an unusual combination of colors.
  • Is the bleeding.

Causes

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of exposure to the sun, age spots appear when melanin becomes dense and occurs in high concentrations.

The commercial use of tanning lamps and beds can also cause age spots.

Risk factors

You might be more likely to develop age spots, if you have a history of frequent or intense exposure to the sun or sun burn.

Prevention

To help prevent age spots and new spots after treatment, follow these tips to limit your exposure to the sun:

  • Avoid the sun between 10 am and 2 pm Because the sun's rays are most intense during this time, try to schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day.
  • The use of sunscreen. Fifteen to 30 minutes before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
  • The cover-up.For protection from the sun, wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs and a wide-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than a baseball cap or visor golf. Consider the use of clothing designed to provide protection against the sun. Look for clothes labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 to get the best protection.

The cover-up. For protection from the sun, wear tightly woven clothing that covers the arms and legs and a wide-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than a baseball cap or visor golf.

Consider the use of clothing designed to provide protection against the sun. Look for clothes labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 to get the best protection.

Age spots (liver spots)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the age spots may include:

  • Visual inspection. Your doctor can usually diagnose age spots by looking at your skin. It is important to distinguish the age spots from other skin disorders because the treatments are different and using the wrong procedure may slow others need therapy.
  • Skin biopsy. Your doctor may perform other tests, such as the removal of a small sample of skin for examination in a laboratory (skin biopsy). This can help to distinguish an age spot from other conditions, such as lentigo maligna, a type of skin cancer. A skin biopsy is usually done in a doctor's office, the use of a local anesthetic.

Treatment

If you want your age spots to be less noticeable, treatments are available to lighten or remove them. Because the pigment is in the base of the epidermis — the top layer of the skin — any treatment intended to clarify the age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.

The point of the age of the treatments include:

  • Drugs. The application of the prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone), alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. The treatments may cause temporary itching, redness, burning, or dryness.
  • Laser and intense pulsed light. Some laser and intense pulsed light therapies to destroy the production of melanin in the cells (melanocytes), without damaging the surface of the skin. These approaches often require two to three sessions. Wounds (ablative) lasers remove the top layer of skin (epidermis).
  • Freezing (cryotherapy). This procedure is the spot through the use of a cotton swab to apply the liquid nitrogen for five seconds or less. This destroys the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears more clear. Spray freezing can be used in a small grouping of points. The thirdtment may temporarily irritate the skin and poses a slight risk of permanent scarring or discoloration.
  • Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion sand down the surface layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush. The new skin grows in its place. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once. Possible side effects include temporary redness, crusting, and swelling. It may take several months for the pink color to fade.
  • Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a less invasive approach than dermabrasion. The skin is left soft blemishes with a smoother appearance. You will need a series of procedures over months to get modest, temporary results. You may notice a slight redness or itching sensation in the treated areas. If you have rosacea or tiny red veins on the face, this technique could make the condition worse.
  • Chemical Peeling. This method involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin to remove the top layers. Again, the skin softer forms to take its place. Possible side effects include scarring, infection, and a lightning bolt or darkening the color of the skin. The redness can last up to several weeks. You might need several treatments before you notice results.

The point of the age of the therapies that remove the skin are usually done in a doctor's office and does not require hospitalization. The length of each of the procedure, and the time it takes to see results varies from weeks to months.

After the treatment, when you are outdoors, you will need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and protective clothing.

Because the point of the age of the treatments are considered as cosmetics, which are not normally covered by the insurance. And because of that the procedures may have side effects, discuss your options with care with a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist). Also, make sure that your dermatologist is specially trained and experienced in the technique that you are considering.

Self-care

Many counter fade creams and lotions to lighten age spots are available for sale. These can improve the appearance of age spots, depending on what the dark spots are and how often you apply the cream. You might need to use a product regularly for several weeks or months before you notice results.

If you want to try an over-the-counter fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Some products, especially those containing hydroquinone, may cause irritation of the skin.

You could also apply the makeup to help make age spots less noticeable.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary care physician, who can then refer you to a dermatologist.

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice the spots on your skin?
  • Did the spots appear gradually or quickly?
  • Have you noticed any other changes in the appearance of your skin?
  • Condition is itchy, sensitive, or otherwise annoying?
  • Has experienced frequent or severe sunburns?
  • How often are you exposed to the sun or UV radiation?
  • Do it regularly to protect your skin from UV radiation?
  • What type of sun protection do you use?
  • Do you have a family history of age spots or skin cancer?
  • What medications do you take?

The questions that you can ask your doctor include:

  • What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?
  • If the blemishes are age spots, what can I do to improve the appearance of my skin?
  • Do treatments to make them disappear completely, or not just to clarify the age spots?
  • It is possible that these stains turn into skin cancer?
Symptoms and treatment of Age spots (liver spots)