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Dermatology
> Medical
Conditions > Age Spots
Age Spots, Sun Spots & Liver Spots
Age spots are also known as sun spots, liver spots, lentigos,
or lentigines. These lesions are flat, tan, brown, or dark
brown spots on sun-exposed skin. As people age, sun spots
most commonly appear on the backs of the hands, the
forearms, neck, chest, and face. Sun spots are associated
with cumulative sun exposure. The pigment producing cells in
the skin (called melanocytes) are activated to produce more
pigment (melanin) by ultraviolet rays. While these spots are
not themselves cancerous, you may be at risk for skin cancer
if you have them.
What causes age spots?
Age spots increase with age and with increased sun exposure.
They are more common in people who freckle and who burn
easily. It is important to know that if you've had enough
sun to develop age spots, you have a higher risk of
developing skin cancer.
What do age spots look like?
Age spots are flat and vary in size from a small pea to a
dime. They usually are somewhat round and have irregular
borders. They are found on chronically sun-exposed areas
such as the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms, and the
back of hands.
What treatment options are available for age, sun or
liver spots?
The best treatment for age spots is prevention. The key to
preventing age spots is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen
use. For example, you won’t find age spots on your inner
thigh because of minimal or no sun exposure. However, for
most of us, it is too late for prevention, and there are a
number of treatment options available.
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Age spot
removal is easily achieved with
The Palomar Rejuvelux™ Pulsed Light
Photofacial |
Ned Snyder IV, MD
/ Plastic Surgery
Renee
Snyder, MD / Dermatology
901 West
38th Street, Suite 410
Austin,
Texas 78705
Phone:
512-533-9900
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