Age spots
Age spots
Age spots, also known as Liver spots or Solar lentigines (pronounced: so-lar len-ti-je-neez), are small, dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Etymology
The term "age spots" comes from the fact that they often appear as people age. The term "liver spots" is a misnomer as they have no connection to the liver or liver function. "Solar lentigines" is derived from Latin, with "solar" referring to the sun and "lentigines" meaning freckles.
Causes
Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Skin aging, sun exposure, or other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, such as tanning beds, are all possible causes. They are also associated with certain skin types and health conditions.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of age spots involves protecting the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This can be achieved by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
Treatment options for age spots include laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and prescription skin-lightening creams. However, these treatments can't prevent age spots from returning. They can only make spots less noticeable or remove them temporarily.
Related Terms
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