Solar Lentigos
Solar lentigos (also referred to as sun spots or liver spots) are small, flat, round spots on the skin that tend to appear later in life on sun-exposed areas. They are particularly common on the face, neck, arms, and the backs of the hands, usually sparing the knuckles.
Causes:
Solar lentigos are thought to be caused by years of sun exposure. The sun damages the pigment-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes), causing them to over-produce pigment in sun-exposed areas. These spots may increase in size over time and sometimes join together to create larger spots. They may resemble freckles, but are typically darker and have a consistent color throughout.
Treatment Options:
Solar lentigos are benign, meaning they do not cause any harm. However, some people seek treatment to improve their appearance. There are several possible treatments for lentigines:
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen to remove the excess pigment.
Laser Therapy: Lasers can be used to target and break down the pigment in the spots.
Chemical Peels: These exfoliate the top layers of the skin, which can help lighten the spots.
Topical Treatments: Medical bleaching agents, such as hydroquinone, can be applied to the skin to make lentigines fade. Although these do not remove the spots completely, they can make them less visible. Combination treatments such as Solage (tretinoin and mequinol) are also available and may provide improved results.
For more information, please feel free to contact us.