Age spots are sometimes called liver spots, although their appearance has nothing to do with your liver. The real culprit is an excess production of the darkening skin pigment melanin, usually as a result of too much sun exposure. The hands, shoulders, forearms, and face are the areas most likely to develop these spots, which are usually considered an unattractive byproduct of aging. The following guide can help you determine if they are really age spots and what you can do about them.

When to be concerned

True age spots range in color from light to dark brown. You shouldn't feel any pain or major textural differences between an age spot and your regular skin. If the spot is raised or sunken, is painful, or has a bumpy texture, you will need to see your dermatologist immediately to rule out skin cancer. If there is a concern, then a biopsy will be performed on the spot.

Treatment options

There are several options for treatment. While some are proponents of attempting home remedies, such as applying lemon juice to the skin to bleach it, your dermatologist will be able to provide more dependable options. These may include the following.

Bleaching creams: Bleaching creams contain a variety of bleaching agents that are safe for the skin. Less harsh bleaches will typically be prescribed for more sensitive facial skin, while stronger solutions are generally safe for tougher skin, such as that on the hands. The creams are applied several times a day, and they fade the spots over a period of months.

Laser treatment: This in-office procedure destroys the darker cells in your skin, effectively removing the spots in a treatment or two. Laser treatments work best on those with otherwise fair skin. While generally minimally painful, in rare cases irritation or mild burns may result.

Chemical peels: Another in-office procedure is a chemical peel. This process chemically removes the outer layer of the skin. This works well for an immediate treatment if your spots are shallow. Spots that penetrate more than a few cell layers deep can't be removed with a peel.

Dermabrasion: Your dermatologist will use abrasive substances to deeply exfoliate your skin, similar to as though they were sanding off an age spot. Much like a chemical peel, this treatment only works well on shallow spots.

Further prevention

Going forward, you will need to remain covered or use a high-SPF sunscreen so that you don't develop more age spots. This is especially important if you are using certain treatments, like creams, since these can make your skin more sensitive. Talk to a professional such as Center Of Dermatology PC/Herschel E Stoller MD for more information.

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