Do I Have Age Spots (Liver Spots)?

Do you have brown, tan, or black flat areas on your skin that develop on sun-exposed areas such as your face, neck, shoulders, upper back, arms, backs of hands and top of your feet?

Do you have discolored skin areas of different sizes (from the size of a tiny freckle up to an inch in diameter)?

Do you have flat and patches that appear on their own or clustered in a group?

Do you have dark spots on your skin with well defined edges or borders?

Do you have brown, tan, or black patches on your skin that may get darker after spending time in the sun?

Are you 50 or older?

Do you spend a lot of time in the sun or tanning beds?

Do you have a fair skin?

Do you have a family history of age spots?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have age spots. Age spots are dark, flat, and often irregularly shaped areas on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Age spots are also known as liver spots or solar lentigines. They appear in the areas most exposed to the sun, such as your face, shoulders, arms and hands. Age spots are common in people over 50, but young people who frequently use tanning beds can also get them. They are harmless and painless. To prevent age spots avoid the intense sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and always use sunscreen before going outdoors.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have age spots. Age spots, also known as sunspots or liver spots are flat freckles on your skin caused by prolonged sun exposure. They can be seen in different shades of brown and in different sizes. UV light from the sun causes increased production of a pigment called melanin in your skin. Skin with a high concentration of melanin becomes darker. Age spots can appear suddenly or develop over time. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination and skin biopsy. It is important to distinguish age spots from other condition such as cancerous moles.

Bassed on your answers there is a high possibility that you have age spots. Age spots are also known as liver spots or sunspots. They are common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun or tanning beds, and people with a fair skin. Age spots are the result of excessive melanin production (the natural pigment in your skin) due to prolonged sun exposure. They are not dangerous and do not require treatment, but some people want to remove or lighten them for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include topical creams, skin resurfacing (laser resurfacing or a chemical peel), cryosurgery and dermabrasion.