Sun-induced skin changes - liver spots; Senile or solar lentigines; Skin spots - aging; Age spots

Skin lesion that is:

• A flat patch or area of skin color change (macule)
• Light brown to black
• On the hands, arms, or forehead
• Painless

A diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin, especially if you are over 40 and have had a lot of sun exposure over the years. A liver spot that looks irregular may be biopsied to confirm that it is not skin cancer.

Images

Lentigo, solar with erythema on the arm

Lentigo, solar on the back

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Liver spots Overview

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Liver spots Treatment

Review Date: 10/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)