Some people call them liver spots---but they have nothing to do with your liver. Those age spots that appear on your arms and elsewhere are common as you grow older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Usually they don't pose a threat to your health. But if they bother you, there are ways to fade them or have them removed.
Appearance
Age spots, also called solar lentigines, may be as small as freckles or as large as more than a centimeter across, the Mayo Clinic advises. Sometimes they cluster together and appear more noticeable. Age spots usually are flat, oval-shaped and either brown, black or gray. They generally appear on the hands, face, arms, shoulders, feet and upper back---most often in people who are fair-skinned.
Causes
If you're noticing age spots, you probably can blame the sunny days of your youth. The Mayo Clinic explains that age spots develop slowly over the years as your skin responds to the sun's ultraviolet light. A dark pigment called melanin develops to produce the protection of a tan, and age spots result when extra melanin clumps together. Tanning lamps can produce age spots as well. You also might be prone to age spots because they run in your family, or simply because you are growing older, the Mayo Clinic advises.
Precautions
While age spots usually are harmless, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that you might need a doctor's help to distinguish them from growths that could be malignant. For example, some brown scaly spots called actinic keratoses should be removed before they become cancerous. Also be on the lookout for spots that bleed, grow rapidly or change their color or shape, the Mayo Clinic advises.
Treatment
An over-the-counter cream might help fade some age spots. Look for a cream containing hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid, the Mayo Clinic advises. Your dermatologist can recommend other treatments that might be more effective, including prescription creams, laser therapy, cryotherapy, dermabrasion and chemical peels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention/Solution
Age spots most commonly show up in people who are 40 and older. If you want to prevent them, the Mayo Clinic urges you to avoid unprotected exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Long-sleeved shirts can help protect your arms. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on your exposed skin, applying it liberally 30 minutes before you go outdoors.
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