Age Spot
Age spots, also sometimes known as lentigines, sun spots or liver spots, are flat, brown, usually harmless discolorations on the skin of older (over 40 usually) people who have been exposed to a great deal of ultraviolet (that is to say, sun) light. Age spots, which occur most often in those areas of the body prone to be exposed to sunlight (face, arms, backs of hands, neck and chest) are not a hereditary condition. They are a direct cumulative effect of exposure to the sun.
Beyond their cosmetic effects, age spots are generally not a cause for concern as they usually not evidence of any other medical condition (such as skin cancer). In the rare cases when an age spot is significantly different from others or it changes size at an abnormal rate, then it of course should be looked at by a medical professional.
Causes and Effects
As stated above, the accumulated exposure to the sun is the main cause of age spots. But the natural, gradual thinning of the skin as one grows older makes it start to become somewhat translucent as the cells containing pigment start to decline. The remaining pigment-bearing cells sometimes bunch together, creating age spots.
Age spots are neither harmful nor contagious and left untreated they will bring no harm. But they can be quite noticeable and that can be a problem for those who want to look and feel as young as possible.
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By Michael Willis
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