MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Liver spots

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Liver spots

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests	Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention

Illustrations

Lentigo, solar on the back

Lentigo, solar with erythema on the arm

Alternative Names Return to top

Sun-induced skin changes - liver spots; Senile or solar lentigines; Skin spots - aging; Age spots

Definition Return to top

Liver spots are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. They are also called age spots. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function.

Causes Return to top

Liver spots are changes in skin color associated with older skin. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by aging, exposure to sun or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.

Liver spots are extremely common after the age of 40. They occur most often on the backs of the hands, on the forearms, shoulder, face, and forehead, areas of highest sun exposure.

They are harmless and painless, but they may affect the cosmetic appearance. Occasionally, liver spots may obscure the diagnosis of skin cancers.

Symptoms Return to top

The main symptom is a skin lesion that is a painless, flat patch or macule (area of skin color change):

Usual color: light brown to black
Usual location: hands, arms, or forehead

Exams and Tests Return to top

A diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin, especially if the patient is over 40 and has had a lot of sun exposure over the years.

Treatment Return to top

No treatment is needed in most cases. The cosmetic appearance of your skin may be improved by the use of skin bleaching lotions or creams. Cryotherapy (freezing) or laser treatment may be recommended to destroy the liver spots.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Liver spots are not medically dangerous. They are permanent skin changes that may affect the cosmetic appearance of the skin.

Possible Complications Return to top

A possible complication is emotional distress from the appearance of the liver spots.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if liver spots are present and removal is desired, or if any new symptoms develop, particularly changes in the appearance of any skin lesion.

Prevention Return to top

Protect your skin from the sun by taking the following precautions:

Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
Use sunglasses to protect the eyes.
Sunlight is most intense at midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.
Use high quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply frequently. Use sunscreen in the winter, too.

Update Date: 10/26/2006

Updated by: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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