What are Liver Spots?
Liver spots are flat, pigmented areas on the skin. They are usually benign and not considered a medical problem, but they may cause social awkwardness.
Causes of Liver Spots
Liver spots have nothing to do with the liver. It was earlier believed that liver spots were a result of liver problems. Liver spots may also be called age spots because they are usually found more often as people age.
Actually, they are caused by exposure to the sun rays. Older individuals who have experienced greater sun exposure may be at a greater risk of liver spots than younger individuals and older individuals who took precaution against sun damage throughout their life.
The ultraviolet rays from the sun stimulate the production of melanin (pigment that gives skin its color), which may lead to clumps of melanin that appear as liver spots.
Appearance of Liver Spots
The flat, pigmented blemishes on the skin may be black, brown or grey. Liver spots are not a sign of skin cancer, although individuals who have liver spots may be at a greater risk of skin cancer due to greater exposure to sunlight.
Managing Liver Spots
Most treatments for liver spots are aimed at fading the blemishes. OTC Medications may be purchased over-the-counter, while some may require a prescription. Bleaching creams may be effective in fading liver spots so they are less noticeable.
Cosmetic treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and de-emabrasion may also be effective in fading or removing liver spots. Laser resurfacing destroys the melanocytes responsible for the extra pigment in the skin. Chemical peels and de-emabrasion produce a controlled damage to the top layer of skin so that new skin grows in its place.
Wearing sunscreen with good SPF and avoiding excessive sun exposure may help to prevent liver spots. Fair skinned individuals and those who work outdoors have greater tendency to liver spots and hence should avoid sun exposure, as they may be at greater risk of liver spots and other symptoms of sun damage.
