Age spots (also known as sun spots, liver spots, and lentigines), are harmless, flat, yellow or brown discolorations of the skin which usually occur on the back of the hands, neck and face of people above the age of 40. These age spots are usually not serious, but instead are mainly an annoyance since they can reveal a person’s age. However, if you have irregular, dark spots that increase in size or change color/texture, have them checked by a doctor since they could be a sign of skin cancer.
The spots – also called lentigines, lentigos or liver spots – are sharply defined, rounded, brown or black, flat patches of skin.
Causes
A combination of chronic sun exposure, skin type, and hereditary predisposition. Liver spots are the yellowish-brown flat spots that look like large freckles and are thought to be caused by aging, too much sun, impaired liver function, and a dietary or nutritional deficiency. (NB: if you have irregular, dark spots that increase in size or change color or texture, have them checked immediately by a doctor. They could be a serious form of skin cancer). As we age our metabolism changes and the liver may become so overwhelmed with toxins that it cannot rid the body of them. Oxidation within the body and the lack of antioxidants also plays an important role in this process. Age spots are one of the results. They take years to form and eliminating them will take time, too, so don’t give up. Try a remedy for a few months, and if the condition hasn’t improved, try another one. As a preventative measure, always use a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 after using one of the remedies, and thereafter.
Symptoms
Although age spots typically develop in people with a fair complexion, they can also be seen in those with darker skin.
Age spots are –
- Flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
- Usually brown, black or gray
- Occur on parts of the skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back
- Can range from freckle-size to more than a half inch (1 centimeter) across and can group together, making them more prominent
Treatment
Medications. Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid
- Laser therapy – Laser therapy destroys melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface Treatments with a laser typically require several sessions
- Freezing (cryotherapy) – This procedure involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a single age spot or a small grouping of age spots.
- Dermabrasion – This procedure consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush – removing the skin surface. A new layer of skin grows in its place.
- Chemical peel – A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms to take its place.
Alternative Treatment
Vitamin A– Keeps skin smooth, prevents skin aging and improves the body’s ability to heal itself.
B Complex Vitamins – Helps to promote healthy, clear skin and reduce skin disorders.
Vitamin C – Keeps skin smooth, prevents skin aging and improves the body’s ability to heal itself.
Vitamin E – Helps to prevent premature aging.
Selenium – Improves skin quality.
Zinc – Necessary for strong immune system.
Refernce –
https://www.kaahe.org/en/ArabicSampleModules/modules/derm/dm1301a1/dm130101/dm130101.pdf
http://www.dalcdermatology.com/askdrmikell/Ask%20Dr%20M_BrownSpots.12.30.13.pdf
http://www.health911.com/liver-spots
http://www.dalcdermatology.com/askdrmikell/Ask%20Dr%20M_BrownSpots.12.30.13.pdf