Age Spots

Age spots are also known as sun spots, liver spots, lentigos, or lentigines. These lesions are flat, tan, brown, or dark brown spots on sun-exposed skin. As people age, sun spots most commonly appear on the backs of the hands, the forearms, neck, chest, and face. Sun spots are associated with cumulative sun exposure. While these spots are not themselves cancerous, you may be at risk for skin cancer if you have them. Age spots increase with age and with increased sun exposure. They are more common in people who freckle and who burn easily. It is important to know that if you've had enough sun to develop age spots, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. The best treatment for age spots is prevention. The key to preventing age spots is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. For example, you will not find age spots on your inner thigh because of minimal or no sun exposure. However, for most of us, it is never too late for prevention, and there are a number of products available for you.