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Aging spots -- should you be concerned?

Age spot concerns

 

Information

Aging spots, also called liver spots , are very common. They are usually nothing to worry about. They typically develop in people with fair complexions, but people with darker skin can also get them.

Aging spots are flat and oval and tan, brown, or black marks. They appear on skin that has been the most exposed to sun over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders, and upper back.

Always let your health care provider know if you have any new or unusual spots, and have them checked. Skin cancers may have many different appearances. Spots or sores related to skin cancers can be:

  • Small, shiny, or waxy
  • Scaly and rough
  • Firm and red
  • Crusty or bleeding

Skin cancers can also have other features.

 

References

James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Melanocytic nevi and neoplasms. In: James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 30.

 
  • Changes in skin with age - illustration

    Liver spots or age spots are a type of skin change that are associated with aging. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by exposure to sun, or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.

    Changes in skin with age

    illustration

  • Aging spots - illustration

    Aging spots occur on the skin as a result of age and sun exposure.

    Aging spots

    illustration

    • Changes in skin with age - illustration

      Liver spots or age spots are a type of skin change that are associated with aging. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by exposure to sun, or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.

      Changes in skin with age

      illustration

    • Aging spots - illustration

      Aging spots occur on the skin as a result of age and sun exposure.

      Aging spots

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Aging spots -- should you be concerned?

         

           

          Review Date: 4/11/2015

          Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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