Age Spots

Age spots are skin blemishes that come with aging. All age spots are generally harmless. They are more a cosmetic issue than a medical one. It is important, though, to distinguish them from skin cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

• Small or large, flat, freckle-like marks that are different shades of brown (liver spots). These most often appear on the arms, backs of hands, back, face, or shoulders.
• Brown or yellow slightly raised spots (seborrheic warts)
• Red, pinpoint blemishes (cherry angiomas)

Causes & Care

Aging skin is thinner and more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Small, dark patches appear in response.

In general, age spots do not need medical treatment. A doctor can freeze an age spot with liquid nitrogen or laser therapy, or remove it in a minor surgical procedure, if skin cancer is suspected.

Prevention

Reduce exposure to the sun. When you are outdoors, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

Self-Care

Make Age Spots Less Noticeable:

• Avoid or limit sun exposure.
• Stay well hydrated to help prevent skin dryness and reduce the appearance of age spots.
• Apply a skin serum that contains antioxidants.
• Apply lemon juice twice a day to age spots.
• Use fresh aloe gel on spots. Do this twice a day for a month.
• Use a mild, moisturizing make-up.

Contact Doctor When:

• You suspect the spots are skin cancer.
• An age spot bleeds, itches, or tingles.
• You have bothersome age spots that resist fading after using self-care.
• You want advice on removing age spots and other skincare therapies.