Liver spots also known as senile lentigines are splotches of skin discoloration with increasing age and sunlight exposure. They are most prevalent during the old age and the color discoloration range is from brown to reddish red.

CAUSES:

As the name suggests liver spots, remember the cause is not due to liver or any liver disease!

Due to aging and constant UV radiation exposure, age spots change in shape and color. The histopathophysiology is that when we age, the aged cells that contain lipofuscin bodies cannot be removed and it disturbs the neighboring cells by promoting their aging at the same time and they start accumulating and will form an irregular shape with an increase in melanin production due to UV radiation and will be seen as dark spots. Other causes include deficiency of vitamin c which acts as a protective agent for skin against harmful UV rays.

SYMPTOMS:

• Irregular skin spots are seen on the face, back of the hands, arms, shoulders.
• The color can range from reddish to brown in color.
• They can be single or in clusters
• They can range from 0.2-2.0 cms in diameter.
• Seen in paler skin, which is more sensitive to sunlight.

DIAGNOSIS:

Physical examination by the dermatologist by inspecting the size, shape, and color of the spots for visual diagnosis. To confirm the diagnosis, a skin biopsy is must to differentiate it from other melanomas.

TREATMENT:

• SKIN BLEACHING: it’s a cosmetic treatment to lighten up your dark spots.
• CRYOTHERAPY: it freezes the area with liquid nitrogen and can be really effective.
• SUNSCREEN: of at least SPF 15 or more before going outside in sunlight.
• LIMIT the amount of time spend outside in sunlight.
• VITAMIN C: protects the skin from sun rays. So eating vegetables and fruits with vitamin C such as cabbage, bell pepper can be quite effective.
• CHEMICAL PEEL: involves brushing a chemical solution onto the skin to exfoliate the dead cells.