Age/Brown Spots
Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, gray, brown or black. They usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms and can vary in size. They typically appear in areas exposed to the sun. Age spots are very common in adults older than age 40, but they can appear in younger people as well.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of age spots, treatments are available at Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center, one of Indiana’s leading cosmetic dermatology groups.
Symptoms and Causes of Age/Brown Spots
Symptoms: Age spots tend to develop in people with a fair complexion but it’s not unusual in those with darker complexions. Age spots are:
- Flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
- Usually brown, black or gray
- Appear on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years (e.g. backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back)
Age spots can be freckle-sized to more than a centimeter across. They can also group together, making them more noticeable.
Causes: Ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates the production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment in the epidermis that gives your skin its normal color and to protect the deeper layers of your skin. This is what gives the appearance of a tan. Age spots develop when the extra melanin becomes “clumped” or is produced in higher concentrations than normal. They typically develop very slowly.
In addition to sun exposure, aging can cause the extra production of melanin and subsequent age spots. The use of commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds can also accelerate the onset of age spots. And, genetics also plays affects how susceptible you are to the development of age spots.
Treatment for Age/Brown Spots
Although, true age spots are harmless and don’t need treatment, many people visit a dermatologist for fear that it may be cancer. It is important to be able to differentiate a harmless age spot from an early melanoma. Dermatologists are uniquely trained in the diagnosis of skin disorders. Additionally, preventative measures often work best such as avoiding the sun and using sunscreen.
Some people find it beneficial, for cosmetic reasons, to have their age spots removed or lightened with skin-bleaching products. Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis, treatments meant to lighten the age spots will need to penetrate through this layer of skin.
Common age spot treatments include:
- Medications
- Laser therapy
- Freezing (cryotherapy)
- Dermabrasion
- Chemical peel
It is important to note that because age spot treatments are considered cosmetic, your medical insurance may not pay for it. Although uncommon, age spot removal procedures can have side effects. Dr. Shideler will discuss them during your consultation.
Sun damage, aging, heredity and hormones can all cause brown spots on the skin. As board certified dermatologists and licensed aestheticians, the dermatologists at Shideler Dermatology and Skin Care Center are the experts at diagnosing and treating the problem. We offer the widest variety of treatment options available in the state of Indiana including cryosurgery, laser treatment, intense pulsed light, and laser resurfacing.
Contact us today at 317-846-2396 for a consultation.