Also known by the name of Liver spots, these are blemishes on the skin. They are associated with exposure to U.V radiation from the sun and also with ageing. They are most commonly located in areas that are exposed to the sun, generally face, arms, shoulders, hands. Although the name is liver spots but in no way are they related to the liver.

People over the age of forty years of age are more susceptible to it as the skin is less able to regenerate. It is particularly common in people who like to be out in the sun. In a number of cases, an age spot poses no threat and does not require any treatment. In a small number of cases they are known to obscure the detection of skin cancer.

Cause

The changes in the skin have been linked with older skin. The increase in pigmentation may be the result of aging, ultraviolet light, exposure to sun or other unknown causes. They are quite common when one crosses the age of forty. Although age spots are harmless but they can affect the cosmetic appearance of a person.

Symptoms

The symptoms of age spots are skin lesions which are painless, flat patch or macule. The color ranges from light brown to black and are usually located on the arms, hands and forehead.

Treatment

Generally no treatment is required in most of the cases and the appearance of the skin can be improved by using skin bleaching creams or lotions. Cryotherapy or laser treatment is recommended to wipe out the liver spots. One of the possible complications of age spots is emotional distress. Liquid nitrogen therapy is the fastest way of getting rid of age spots. One of the latest treatments for age spots is beta hydroxyl acid gel and alpha hydroxy acid gel which should be applied to the affected area every night and this lightens discoloration of skin. One can also treat age spots with alpha hydroxyacid peels which allow the skin to heal by applying a mild acid. It is regarded as the second fastest method to do away with age spots.

One should try and protect the skin from the sun and take precautions such as wearing protective clothing like hats, long skirts, long sleeved shirts or pants. One should try and avoid exposure to sun during midday as the sun’s heat is intense during this period. Sunscreen should be applied at least half hour before exposure and reapplied frequently.

Related Articles
	How to Fight Age Spots Age spots are flat brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body as aging occurs. Another common name for age spots are liver spots. They are mostly known to plague the face, neck, and hands. The spots themselves are a buildup of waste from free radical damage in the skin known as lipofuscin   ...Read more		Skin Discoloration Hyperpigmentation is a very common and typically harmless condition that occurs when certain areas or patches of skin become darker than the skin that surrounds them. The condition is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is a brown pigment that produces normal skin color. When there is   ...Read more