Liver spot

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Liver spot
Liver spots, light-skinned Caucasian man, age 63.jpg
Synonyms Age spot, solar lentigo, senile freckle
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Flat, brown, black, or gray spots on the skin
Complications None
Onset Typically after age 40
Duration Permanent
Types N/A
Causes Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
Risks Sun exposure, aging, fair skin
Diagnosis Physical examination
Differential diagnosis Melanoma, seborrheic keratosis, lentigo maligna
Prevention Sun protection, sunscreen
Treatment Cryotherapy, laser therapy, topical bleaching agents
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency Common in older adults
Deaths N/A


Liver Spots[edit | edit source]

Liver spots on the skin, often resulting from sun exposure.

Liver spots, also commonly referred to as age spots, are flat, brown, black, or gray spots on the skin. They are a common sign of skin aging and are usually caused by years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Liver spots are larger and more defined than freckles and typically appear on areas of the body that have had the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, arms, back, and feet. Despite their name, liver spots are not related to liver function or liver disease.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of liver spots is:

  • Long-term sun exposure, which accelerates the production of melanin, leading to the formation of these spots.

Other contributing factors can include:

  • Aging skin, as they are more common in people over 50, though younger people can get them if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
  • Tanning beds, which also emit UV rays.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

To prevent liver spots, it is recommended to:

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, when in the sun.
  • Avoid peak sun hours, typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

While liver spots are generally harmless and do not require medical treatment, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include:

  • Laser therapy
  • Cryotherapy (freezing)
  • Chemical peels
  • Dermabrasion
  • Prescription skin-lightening creams

Diagnosis and Consideration[edit | edit source]

It's important to differentiate liver spots from other skin conditions, including malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Regular skin checks by a healthcare professional can ensure that any concerning spots are properly evaluated.

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