What is Liver Spot?
Liver spots, or age spots, are patches of darkened skin that develop due to overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. They are not related to liver function and are more common in adults over 50. These spots are usually flat and can range in colour from light brown to red or black, varying in size from about a tenth of an inch to half an inch across.
They often appear on skin areas ทางเข้า UFABET สำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ สมัครวันนี้ รับโบนัสฟรี that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and forehead. While liver spots are generally harmless, they can sometimes be a cosmetic concern, leading people to seek age spot treatment or liver spots treatment.
Key Factors about Liver Spot
| Category | Details |
| Also Referred as | Age spots, Sun spots, Solar lentigines |
| Commonly Occurs In | Adults over 40, People with significant sun exposure |
| Affected Organ | Skin (hands, face, shoulders, arms) |
| Type | Benign skin condition |
| Common Signs | Flat, light brown to black patches, Painless |
| Consulting Specialist | Dermatologist |
| Treatement Procedures | Bleaching lotions (hydroquinone), Cryotherapy, Laser treatment, Intense pulsed light |
| Managed By | Over-the-counter and prescription creams, lotions, or gels containing ingredients such as hydroquinone and tretinoin |
| Mimiciking Condition | Skin cancer (particularly melanoma) |
Symptoms of Liver Spot
The primary symptoms of liver spots are related to their appearance on the skin. These include:
- Flat, oval-shaped patches of dark skin
- Colour ranging from light brown to black
- Size varying from a few millimetres to over a centimetre in diameter
- Commonly appearing on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms
- Smooth texture, with no raised or rough areas
- Painless and non-itchy
It is important to note that while true liver spots are not dangerous, they can sometimes resemble certain types of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your liver spots, such as darkening or rapid growth, it is essential to consult with a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of Liver Spot
Liver spots result from various factors that influence skin pigmentation. These include:
- Sun exposure: Liver spots primarily result from extended and repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UV rays boost melanin production in the skin, which leads to the development of these spots over time.
- Ageing: As people age, the skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes, and the cumulative effect of sun exposure throughout the years can lead to the development of liver spots. This is why they are more common in people over the age of 40.
- Genetics: A genetic predisposition can play a role in the development of liver spots. Individuals with a family history of liver spots may be more likely to develop them themselves.
- Skin type: Individuals with fair skin have less melanin, making their skin more susceptible to UV damage and, thus, more prone to liver spots. Fair-skinned individuals often develop these spots more readily than those with darker skin.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, particularly those associated with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, can contribute to the formation of liver spots. These hormonal fluctuations can affect melanin production and lead to pigmentation changes in the skin.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as those that increase sensitivity to sunlight, can heighten the risk of developing liver spots. This is due to increased susceptibility to UV damage while on these medications.