Liver Spots: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Dark patches of skin known as liver spots can develop on skin exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, or face. They have more to do with the buildup of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, than they do with the liver. Age spots, sun spots, and solar lentigines are other names for liver spots. Although they are safe and don't need to be treated, some individuals might desire to lighten or get rid of them for aesthetic purposes. The causes, signs, diagnosis, course of therapy, and prevention of liver spots will all be covered in this article.
Causes
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, results in liver spots. Melanin, which shields the skin from UV rays, is stimulated by UV radiation. But melanin can aggregate over time and result in the formation of dark patches on the skin. Fair-skinned individuals, the elderly, and those who have spent a lot of time in the sun are more likely to develop liver spots.
Symptoms
Liver spots are painless and do not cause any physical discomfort. They are usually:
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Flat and oval-shaped
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Tan, brown, or black in color
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Varying in size from a freckle to half an inch (13 millimeters) across
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Grouped together or scattered on the skin
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More noticeable on the face, hands, arms, shoulders, or upper back
Liver spots do not change in appearance over time, unlike moles or skin cancers. However, they may become darker or more visible with further sun exposure.
Diagnosis
Skin examinations can be used to identify liver spots. By examining liver spots' shape, color, size, and position, a dermatologist can typically distinguish them from other skin problems including freckles, moles, or skin cancer. In case the dermatologist is uncertain or worries, they can do a skin biopsy, which entails removing a tiny piece of skin and analyzing it under a microscope to check for any anomalous cells.
Treatment
Liver spots do not pose any health risks and do not need to be treated, unless they bother the person for cosmetic reasons. There are several options to lighten or remove liver spots, such as:
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Topical creams, such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or kojic acid, that can bleach the skin and reduce the appearance of liver spots. These creams may take several weeks or months to show results, and they may cause side effects, such as skin irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions.
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Laser therapy, which uses a beam of light to destroy the melanin in the liver spots and make them fade or disappear. Laser therapy may require several sessions to achieve the desired results, and it may cause side effects, such as redness, swelling, blistering, or scarring.
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Cryotherapy, which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the liver spots. Cryotherapy may cause side effects, such as pain, blistering, infection, or scarring.
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Dermabrasion, which uses a rotating device to scrape off the top layer of the skin and remove the liver spots. Dermabrasion may cause side effects, such as bleeding, infection, or scarring.
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Chemical peels, which use a solution of acids to peel off the top layer of the skin and reveal the new skin underneath. Chemical peels may cause side effects, such as burning, stinging, redness, or infection.
The size, quantity, and position of the liver spots, together with the patient's skin type, preferences, and financial situation, all influence the treatment option. If a patient has rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, they may not be a good candidate for some therapies. Before beginning any liver spot therapy, it is crucial to see a dermatologist. You should also take all the recommended precautions and instructions from the doctor.
Prevention
The best way to prevent liver spots is to avoid or limit sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the UV rays are the strongest. Other preventive measures include:
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Wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and reapplying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating
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Wearing protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and pants, to cover the skin
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Seeking shade or staying indoors when the sun is intense
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Avoiding tanning beds or lamps, which emit harmful UV rays
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Checking the skin regularly for any changes or signs of skin cancer, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colors, large diameters, or evolution
