Age spots are a common skin concern in elderly people. Age spots, also called lentigines, appear on the hands, face, arms and other areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun. Although the dark brown, black or gray spots are unattractive, they are usually not a sign of cancer or a serious skin condition. Doctors offer several treatments to fade age spots.
Identification
Cells in your skin produce melanin, the pigment that provides skin with color. Ultraviolet light from the sun causes your skin to produce melanin more quickly than usual. After years of sun exposure, the extra melanin tends to clump together, forming age spots. Single spots may form, or you may notice a cluster of age spots. The spots are extremely common in people over 40, according to Medline Plus.
Risk Factors
Age spots occur in people of all races but are more common in people who have fair skin. You may be more likely to develop age spots if other family members also have the spots. Working in outdoor jobs or spending significant time in the sun in your youth may increase your chances of developing age spots. The artificial light from tanning beds can be just as damaging to your skin as natural sunlight, and frequent trips to tanning salons can also increase your risk of developing the spots. Even if you avoided sun exposure during your youth, you may still develop age spots because growing older can cause the extra production of melanin, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Over-the-counter bleaching creams are available to lighten age spots, although prescription versions of the creams are stronger and more effective. If you use a bleaching cream, you can expect to see fading after several months of regular use. Doctors also use chemical peels and dermabrasion to remove the top layers of the skin containing age spots or destroy the extra melanin in the spots by applying medication that freezes the spots. Laser therapy can also be effective in treating age spots. The light from the laser destroys the cells that produce the extra melanin, causing age spots to fade.
Prevention/Solution
Protecting your skin from the effects of the sun can prevent the formation of new age spots. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends using a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 SPF. Avoiding the sun completely during the middle of the day or wearing hats or long-sleeved clothing can also help prevent new spots.
Warning
Although age spots are usually harmless, it can be difficult to tell if a new spot is an age spot or a sign of skin cancer. See your doctor if a spot is darker than others, has a mix of colors, increases in size or has an irregular border.
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