Age spots (Liver spot) are nothing but brown or black spots on the body. It develops mostly on the areas that get maximum exposure to the sun like face and hands and arms. Age spots are also called as solar lentigines and they are small in size developing in elderly people above 50 years. But age spots also develop on young people if their job warrants more time in the sun. Age spots are benign (harmless) and does not develop into tumor (cancerous). No treatment is required for age spots but some people use cosmetic surgery to remove them.
Symptoms :
Age spots or liver spots are small flat black or brownish lesions that occur in the parts of the body that are overly exposed to the sunlight. You can typically develop them on the back of your hands and face and sometimes on your shoulders and arms. The size of the age spots vary from 0.5 to 1 inch and mostly it occur alone. If you see any unusual changes in your skin color or texture and lesions or spots are seen on your face you can consult your dermatologist. Age spots do not itch and are painless.
Causes :
Age spots are believed to be caused by over secretion of melanin, a skin pigment. Some experts are of opinion that age spots develop due to sun exposure and aging. People who use tanning beds frequently have increased risk of getting age spots. Ultraviolet rays of the sun are the major cause of age spots. Melanin is the pigment that is found on the upper epidermis layer of the skin. When this area is overly exposed to sunlight the melanin is produced in excess thus creating a tan on that area.
Risk Factors :
A person with fair complexion, a person who spends quality time in the sunlight, a person who is aged, a person with family history of skin problems due to sun exposure and a person who uses tanning beds and commercial lamps frequently have high risk for developing age spots.