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Ask Our Expert: Brown Spots:
Q: Roxanne, I have brown spots on my face, arms and chest. How do I know if they are caused from sun damage or if they are just age spots?
A: Lentigos, or lentigines are commonly referred to as brown spots, sun spots, liver spots or age spots. They appear as flat spots in various shades of brown that appear on skin that has been over exposed to the sun. These spots can appear on the face, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, hands; anywhere the skin has been over-exposed to the sun. Typically, the lighter the skin and the more sun exposure one has, the greater accumulation or chance of accumulation of sun spots.
Melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment in the skin are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) when you are exposed to ultraviolet rays. Because the symptoms of excessive sun damage are cumulative, these spots increase with age, hence the term “age spots.” They are more common in lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-3), such as those who freckle and who burn easily but can appear in any skin type.
I recommend applying a medical-grade, physical sunblock such as Physical Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, 365 days per year, to all skin that will be exposed. Not only is this your best defense for future sun damage but you may find that the brown spots that you have become lighter over time.
There are treatments that can help to rid your skin of brown spots as well. CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is typically an excellent option. A series of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments can also deliver very good results. Some chemical peels can improve spots to some degree as well as skin bleaching or lightening agents like Advanced Lightening Complex or Spot Light.
While sun spots themselves are not cancerous, if you have had enough lifetime sun exposure to develop brown spots, this may place you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, it’s a good idea have your physician examine them for changes from time to time.
Warmly,
Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare & Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
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