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Age spots are marks on the surface of the skin that are brown, black, or even gray in color, and range from freckle sized to larger than a centimeter across. Age spots may appear in a cluster, or alone. They are also known as liver spots, and more scientifically, solar lentigines. As this last term implies, age spots are usually caused by sun exposure. Age spots commonly appear on areas of the body that have received prolonged sun exposure, such as the hands, face, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are most common in people over 40, but depending on the amount of sun exposure received over a period of time, they may also appear in younger individuals.
A medical physician, such as a dermatologist, can verify whether a spot on the skin is an age spot, or a more serious mark. An age spot is simply an area of increased pigmentation in the skin, and is usually flat and oval shaped. More serious marks might be raised, irregularly shaped, and multi-colored. A physician can determine whether a spot on the skin presents a health risk, such as a skin cancer, or whether it is a harmless age spot. A physician may take a biopsy of an age spot to rule out cancer, a procedure that entails the removal and testing of a small piece of the skin where the spot has formed.
What causes age spots?
Age spots increase with age and with increased sun exposure. They are more common in people who freckle and who burn easily. It is important to know that if you've had enough sun to develop age spots, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
What do age spots look like?
Age spots are flat and vary in size from a small pea to a dime. They usually are somewhat round and have irregular borders. They are found on chronically sun-exposed areas such as the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms, and the back of hands.
Treatement of Age Spot using IPL
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