Age Spots

Age spots or liver 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. 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.

Causes

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its colour. 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.

symptoms

Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they’re more common in adults with light skin. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade with no sun exposure, age spots don’t fade. Age spots are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation and are usually tan to dark brown. They occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back and range from freckle size to about 1/2 inch (13 millimeters). They can group together, making them more noticeable

Who they affect?

Age spots can be an indication of frequent or prolonged exposure to the sun. For this reason, you might expect to see an increase in age spots as you age. You might be more likely to develop age spots if you have light skin and have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn.

Treatment options