Age spots are the benign darkened areas on the superficial layer of the skin that occur most often from over exposure to the sun. They are frequently known by many names such as liver spots, sun spots or the medical term solar lentigines. The spots generally appear on those frequently sun exposed areas on the face, neck, chest, arms and backs of hands. As the body ages the spots increase in number, which makes them more common among the older populace. While more prevalent in the fairer skinned no one is immune when the skin is exposed to sunlight. An age spot is identified as darker than the surrounding tissue, flat with discrete borders and irregularly shaped. The lesions are frequently benign and treatment is not usually necessary. However many associate the spotty discolorations as a mark of aging and wish to have them removed.
The most effective method of treating age spots is to limit sun exposure with the use of clothing and a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Prescription topical bleaching solutions such as hydroquinone or kojic acid when applied diligently have been able to reduce the discolorations brought about by these spots. Even certain topical Vitamin C has been effective in lessening the effects of the sun damage. Probably the most effective treatments in reducing or eliminating the pigmented areas are laser treatments. Several lasers have the ability to treat pigmentation such as the Nd: YAG, Alexandrite, q switch ruby, VBeam Perfecta and IPL (intense pulsed light) giving the consumer many options for treatments.
Please note that age spots that change color, thickness or develop very irregular borders need to be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out other disease processes. |
