Liver spots are brown or darkened discoloration in the skin known as pigmentation. Sometimes known by its other names such as age spots or sun spots, liver spot have nothing to do with the liver. They are generally caused by sun damage. Over exposure to the sun initiates the skin to over generate a substance known as melanin. Melanin is in charge of color production for the skin, hair and iris of the eye. When a surplus of melanin is created, concentrated deposits of darkened areas known as hyperpigmentation, or liver spots are the result. Areas that tend to be exposed more often are the face, hands, neck, chest and arms.
Treatments ranging from topical creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and lasers are available to decrease or even remove these sun and age related spots. Some spots should be reviewed by a dermatologist to determine if the lesions are benign (non cancerous) before being treated. Discuss your pigmentation issues with your physician or dermatologist. They will be able to help decide which treatment is right for you. |
