Liver Spots

Also known as age spots and solar lentigines, liver spots are harmless patches of pigmentation, ranging from the size of freckles to a few inches in diameter, that usually occur on the arms, hands, shoulders, and face – or areas that are usually exposed to the sun most. They usually form after 40 years of age, and although they are usually thought to be caused by overexposure to the sun, they can also form due to unknown causes, since they can occur in areas that are not exposed to the sun.

The reason they are known as liver spots is that in the past it was thought that they were caused due to the liver malfunctioning, and since they are usually brown or red in color, or the color of the liver. Although their color can range from black, to brown, to gray.

What are the Causes of Liver Spots?

Melanin is the pigment that gives color to the skin. Ultraviolet rays quickens the melanin production in skin. This extra melanin, which is produced in order to protect the skin, creates the tan we are all familiar with when we go out in the sun for an extended period of time. Liver spots form when this melanin extra melanin clumps together or higher concentrations of it is produced in certain parts of the skin. Usually, it takes years of being exposed to the sun for these age spots to form. Tanning beds and commercial tanning lamps can also cause the formation of liver spots, over time.

Apart from exposure to the sun, simply aging can cause melanin to be produced in excessive amounts, resulting in age spots. Genetic factors may also be one of the causes for the development of liver spots.

What is the Treatment for Liver Spots?

As has been mentioned above, age spots are quite harmless and require no treatment, however, some people dislike them because of cosmetic reasons, plus their presence can sometimes confuse the diagnosis of skin cancer. Hence, there are treatments that can help in lightening or removing age spots. As liver spots occur in the deepest layer of the epidermis, treatments used for lightening or removing them have to penetrate deep into the skin.

Some of the treatments for liver spots are:

• Topical bleaching creams, either used by themselves or along with retinoids and some mild steroid, the application of which may help in fading the spots gradually over a number of months. Nonprescription fading creams containing kojic acid or glycolic acid, available over the counter, can also help in reducing age spots.
• Another treatment is dermabrasion, which involves using a rapidly rotating brush to scrape off the top layer of the skin, which results in the formation of a new layer of skin in its place. This procedure can cause temporary redness and scabbing in the affected area.
• Using a chemical peel, of light or medium strength, can also help in gradually fading off age spots, although a number of treatments are required before the results can be noticed. Basically, it involves using an acid for burning off the surface layer of the skin, which then enables new skin to form in its place.
• Cryotherapy or freezing is also used for destroying the extra pigmentation on the skin, which basically involves the application of liquid nitrogen on the affected area. As this area heals, there is marked lightening of the skin. Although this method is useful, there is a slight chance of discoloration or permanent scarring.
• Laser treatment is another effective method for treating age spots. It helps in destroying the extra cells in the basal layer of the skin that produce the extra melanin, without causing damage to the surface of the skin. Generally, a number of sessions are required, and after the treatment, the liver spots gradually fade away over a number of weeks or even months. Although laser treatment does not have many side effects, it can be quite costly.

Since treatments for liver spots are regarded as cosmetic, it is usually not covered by insurance. Plus, there may be side effects for any of these treatment procedures; hence, it is important to discuss them with your doctor in advance.

How can Liver Spots be Prevented?

You can prevent age spots from occurring by using sunscreen when you go out and also by avoiding exposing your skin to strong sunlight. If you must go out during the peak hours of sunlight, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., make sure to cover yourself with protective clothing, like blouses and shirts with long sleeves, long trousers or skirts or dresses, and hats with wide brims.