Age Spot Treatment in Midland, TX

Age Spots and Skin Discoloration

Age spots, also known as liver spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines, usually have the appearance of a large, flat freckle in the color of brown, gray, or black. These spots are normally caused by prolonged sun exposure, which speeds up the skin’s production of melanin.

Age spots can develop over time or appear suddenly. The most common areas of the body for age spots to appear include areas, such as:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Back of hands
  • Shoulders
  • Upper back
  • Tops of feet

While age spots are most common for people of middle age or older adulthood, they can also develop at an earlier age, especially for people who have had a high level of exposure to UV rays, whether from being outdoors in the sun or from indoor tanning beds. In addition, age spots can affect people with any skin type but are most common on people with light skin. 

What Do Age Spots Look Like?

Age spots are different from freckles, as they do not fade over time. Some common symptoms of age spots are:

  • Color: Usually tan or dark brown, but they may darken over time with increased sun exposure.
  • Shape: Age spots are usually round or oval, with very defined edges.
  • Size: The size of age spots typically range in from the size of a small freckle to one inch in diameter.
  • Texture: Age spots are normally flat, painless, and have the same texture as the rest of your skin.
  • Grouping: It is common for age spots to group together, which makes them more noticeable.

When Should I See A Doctor for Evaluation of an Age Spot?

Although age spots are harmless and non-cancerous, it is always important to have any spots evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the spots are not actually cancerous lesions, especially if you are older or have a history of sun exposure or sunburns. It’s especially important to have your spot evaluated if it’s one or more of the following:

  • Black
  • Increasing in size
  • Has an irregular border
  • Has an unusual combination of colors
  • Is bleeding

The above-mentioned attributes are common signs of melanoma, a very serious, and sometimes fatal, form of skin cancer. 

How are Age Spots Treated?

Medical treatment for age spots isn’t typically necessary, as age spots don’t cause health problems; however, some people may be interested in reducing the appearance of their age spots for cosmetic reasons. We offer a few different options for cosmetic procedures that may help to reduce the appearance of age spots, such as:

*The content provided in this post is for informational purposes and does not diagnose or treat any medical conditions or diseases. Always seek guidance from a physician regarding any medical concerns you may have.

age spot on hand
age spot example
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Age Spot Treatment in Midland, TX

If you’re looking for treatment for age spots in Midland, Texas, we would love to see you at Midland Dermatology! Our board-certified dermatologists and certified physician assistants can help diagnose your age spots and improve the appearance of the spot.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Midland Dermatology, call 432-689-2512.

*The content provided in this post is for informational purposes and does not diagnose any medical conditions. Always seek guidance from a physician regarding any medical concerns you may have.