Appearance Of Age Spots
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Age spots aka liver spots are collections of pigment caused by exposure to the sun. The color is deposited as a reaction to injury, just like a scar is a response to a bruise. The color collects in regions injured because of thin skin or greater sun exposure. Age spots also can be as a result of bruising that leaves blood pigment as a residue. They are most common in people older than 55. The spots commonly appear on the hands, but they can be almost anywhere, especially sun-exposed regions, like the shoulders, face, back, arms, and feet.
What Are Age Spots?
How Can I Know I Have Age Spots?
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Age spots don’t rise and differ in size from a small pea to a dime. They usually are to some extent round and have irregular borders. They are present in lasting sun-exposed areas such as the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms, and the back of hands. Liver spots are sometimes known as, age spots, and correlate with a person’s liver.The flat and brown spots are many times caused by years spent in the sun. The marks are more significant than freckles, are flat, and often show up in parts of a humans body that have been under the suns exposure. Age spots are harmless, although if they cause a bother, a dermatologist can eliminate them. Using sunscreen or sunblock can assist in preventing additional sun damage.Age spots may show up anywhere on a human’s body as we tend to get older. One school of thought suggests that the marks are due to brown pigment granules representing lipid-inhabiting residues of lysosomal digestion. Lipids designating products that come from either animal or vegetable cells by fat or non-polar solvents put merely; an operational term which defines a solubility feature and not a chemical product.Even though are usually age spots are believed to be harmless, the idea behind this line of thinking is that they are signs that the cells are full of accrued waste that is eliminating cells in the human’s body at a slow rate, to include the person’s brain and liver cells. The natural philosophy recommends that they are a visible sign of free radical intoxication of the human body. A common term for age spots is liver spots, senile or skin spots, or solar lentigines.
Types Of Dark Spots
The prevailing notion is that all dark spots are the same. It is, however, critical to know what kind of dark spots that are forming on your skin. It will not only make you more aware of your body but also enable you to pick the appropriate remedy to get rid of them.
Melasma
Melasma is the dark spots that form in a splotch-like appearance on your cheeks. Hormonal imbalances, thyroid dysfunction or hormonal therapy treatment, can lead to this type of dark spots.
Lentigines
Lentigines are dark spots that seem scattered and don’t have a particular pattern. They are what we commonly know as ‘liver spots’ that look on the skins of the elderly. They are a direct consequence of too much exposure to the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Pimple marks
Whenever a pimple gets infected with any bacteria, it can become excruciating and leave a scar or mark after it bursts. This mark can then transform into a dark spot.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Any trauma or injury caused to the skin due to abrasions, burns, acne, and so on, leading to inflammation, can later cause the formation of dark spots in that region.
Depending on the type of dark spot, you can opt for either a natural and homemade remedy or a cosmetic solution that will work the best to get rid of it.
Causes and Risk Factors of Age Spots
Are Age Spots dangerous?
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Dark spots are the result of the overproduction or collection of melanin (skin pigment) and free radical damage.Exposure to UV light: Whether from an artificial source (for example tanning beds) or the sun. Hyperpigmentation usually begins to show during your mid-40s when the skin starts to show the result of sun exposure, mainly if you never used sunscreen and other sun-protective measures. Those who have light skin or hair, and who have had many and severe sunburns are at particular risk.The list below are some other causes, that may be playing a role whether alone or in conjunction with one another or UV exposure.Skin Conditions: There are several different skin conditions and diseases that can cause dark spots and areas, though these are not the same as age-related dark spots. They include:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Skin discoloration following an inflammatory lesion, like acne
- Melasma: Also known as pregnancy mask
- Linea nigra: A dark, vertical line that forms lengthwise down the middle of the abdomen during pregnancy
- Chloasma: Darkened skin due to hormonal changes
- Riehl’s Melanosis: A form of contact dermatitis that’s believed to be caused by sun exposure
- Poikiloderma of Civatte: A benign condition that turns parts of the neck a reddish-brown color
Medications: Certain medications can cause dark spots because they make the skin hypersensitive to sun exposure (photosensitive). They include:
- Estrogens, such as Vagifem, Climara, and Estrace
- Tetracyclines, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Adoxa (doxycycline), Declomycin (demeclocycline), and Minocin (minocycline)
- Amiodarone used to treat irregular heartbeat; brand names include Cordarone and Pacerone
- Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant; brand names include Dilantin and Phenytek
- Phenothiazines used to treat mental and emotional disorders; brand names include Compro and Thorazine
- Sulfonamides used to treat infections; brand names include Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim)
Other Causes :
- Pregnancy
- Liver disease
- Addison’s disease
- Hemochromatosis (excessive iron)
- Pituitary tumors
Diagnosing Age Spots
Can a Dermatologist Diagnose Age Spots?
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A diagnosis of an age spot is made based on the look of a human’s skin surface, mainly if the individual is over the age of forty and has had a great deal of sun exposure of time. An age spot looks irregular and might be biopsied to check that it is not skin cancer. Below is what Diagnosing age spots may involve:
- Visual examination. Your dermatologist can usually diagnose age spots by observing your skin surface.
- Skin biopsy. Your doctor may carry out other tests, like a skin biopsy, to assist in distinguishing an age spot from other conditions, for example, skin cancer.
In the course of a skin biopsy, a dermatologist takes a small sample of your skin (biopsy) for microscopic analysis. A skin biopsy is usually done in a doctor’s office, using a local anesthetic.
Should I monitor my age spots?
Dermatologists suggest monitoring your age spots. Age spots are entirely harmless, and you do not necessarily need to treat them. However, growths and freckles as a result of the sun are generally mistaken for age spots.If you leave age spots untreated and it turns out that the marks aren’t an age spot but rather a freckle or growth, you run the risk of developing severe skin complications, for example, skin cancer. As a result of this, you should monitor all changes on your skin- including variations in your age spots- for any suspicious changes over time. If you observe any abnormal changes, we recommend seeking a professional opinion as soon as possible.
Lifestyle and home remedies for Liver Spots
How Can I Manage Age Spots?
Many fade lotions and creams for age spots lightening are available in drugstores, department stores, and online. These may boost the appearance of age spots, depending on how dark the spots are and how often you apply the cream. Regular use over several weeks or months may be necessary to produce noticeable results.If you opt for an over-the-counter (nonprescription) fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Note that some products, especially those that contain hydroquinone, may cause skin irritation. You could also apply makeup to help make age spots less noticeable.
At what Age Do Age Spots Appear?
Who Can Get age Spots?
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Other than genetic influences; if your skin is fair or you have a preference of spending under the sun, then you are more likely to form this condition on your skin surface. Statistically, however, anyone can develop age spots.Age spots do not indicate your age: they are however as a result of years you’ve spent under the sun, i.e., tanning. So watch out the next time you decide to bask under the sun.
Preventing age spots
How Can I Prevent Age Spots?
While you can’t always prevent age spots, there are several ways you can reduce your chances of developing them: Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. Apply the sunscreen daily that has a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of a minimum of 30 and has both UVB and UVA protection. Spread sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you sit under the sun. Reapply after every two hours, and more often if sweating or swimming. Put on protective clothing, for example, pants, hats, and long-sleeved shirts. It aids in protecting your skin from UV rays. For the best protection, wear UV-blocking clothes using an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of a minimum of 40.
What you need to know about Age Spots
Age spots form when the top surface layer of your skin expands with more pigment and develops what resembles a large freckle. One may appear on its own, or a few may show up together. Some individuals have a hereditary inclination to age spots. These spots may develop at an early age, even in childhood, though they are more common in elderly individuals, especially in those who have spent too much time under the sun.Age spots are not carcinogenic, nor do they result in cancer. However, on skin that has been under the sun, they may be accompanied by red elevations known as actinic keratoses, precancerous scaly. Dark spots that may be cancerous may also look like lentigines. A dermatologic surgeon should evaluate all of these marks.
General Influence of Age Spots in Your Life
Age spots are harmless changes to the skin and don’t result in pain. On rare instances, age spots can make it more difficult to diagnose skin cancer. The formation of age spots can lead to emotional distress for other individuals. You can often eliminate or minimize them using procedures. Consult your dermatologist or healthcare provider concerning the best treatment choices for you.
