Sun spots are the brown discolorations that appear as large flat freckles. Any age group can acquire them although these spots are more dominant in middle age or older. Sun spots are most often the result of over exposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun. Sun spots occur from an overproduction of melanin. Melanin is the skins key defense mechanism against the suns harmful rays which explains why darker skin tends to burn less from the sun, and lighter skin tends to have more incidences of pigment changes and skin cancers. When darker skin does obtain sun spots they often appear as ashy or gray as opposed to the brown color in lighter skin.
Sun spots can be known by a variety of names such as age spots or liver spots. The medical term for a sun spot is a solar lentigo. Most often these are harmless discolorations on the skin and do not require treatment. Should treatment be requested however there are several types that will decrease or eliminate the pigmentation.
Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, topical bleaching agents or laser treatments are all helpful in reducing the appearance of the brown sun spots. Laser treatments also effectively remove the spots. It should be noted that once these sun damaged areas have been treated, precautions need to be taken when resuming sun activities. Repeat exposure to the sun without protection will cause the spots to return and even encourage new spots.
It is also important to distinguish from harmless sun spots and early malignant melanoma or skin cancer. A visit to the dermatologist is in order if the sun spots have recent onset, have more than one color in it, have an irregular shape or texture, or crack or bleed frequently. A discussion with a skin care specialist will help determine which treatment is right for you. |
