Brown Spots/Age Spots

Home | Medical | Brown Spots/Age Spots

On this page

  1. What Are Age Spots?
  2. What Are The Symptoms Of Age Spots?
  3. What Causes Age Spots?
  4. Age Spot Treatment Options
  5. Managing Age Spots
  6. Schedule A Consultation
  7. Frequently Asked Questions

What are Age Spots?

Age spots, also known as liver spots and solar lentigines, are flat tan, brown, or black spots. They vary widely in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms, which are areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun. Age spots are very common in adults over the age of 50; however, younger people can get them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen.

What Are the Symptoms of Age Spots?

Age spots are typically flat and smooth but are visibly darker than the surrounding skin. They can range from the size of a freckle to slightly larger and are typically oval in size. There can be many of them in an area, similar to freckles. Age spots may look like actinic keratoses, but are not – actinic keratoses are typically textured and rough.

REAL PATIENT RESULTS

Visit our gallery to see the Biltmore Difference. We pride ourselves on consistently great results and it is our happy patients who are a true testament to our work.

VIEW BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS

What Causes Age Spots?

Age spots occur when the surface layer of the skin expands with more pigment and develops what can look like a large freckle. One may appear by itself, or a few may be clustered together. Some people have a hereditary predisposition to age spots. However, brown spots and age spots can resemble potentially harmful growths, such as precancerous scaly, red elevations called actinic keratoses. Dark spots, which may be cancerous, may also appear to be lentigines. This is why it’s important to have any new spot on your skin properly evaluated by our knowledgeable team.

Age Spot Treatment Options

True age spots are harmless and don’t require treatment. For cosmetic purposes, age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed with professional treatments like a chemical peel or laser treatments. However, preventing age spots by avoiding the sun and using broad-spectrum sunscreen every day is the easiest way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.

WALK-IN APPOINTMENTS

If you have an immediate concern, you want to find quality care as soon as possible. Our office takes walk-in appointments and will be happy to address your concerns and offer you immediate treatment suggestions and medical care.

LEARN MORE

Managing Age Spots

The best way to manage age spots is by preventing them entirely. You can do this by wearing daily sunscreen with SPF 30+. This helps prevent damage by the sun which can prompt unusual activity in the skin, causing age spots to develop. Additionally, our team can help you explore skincare treatments and professional-grade products to help reduce pigmentation and achieve a brighter look.

Schedule a Consultation

Age spots are easily treated if you’re bothered by their appearance. To meet with our team, call our Terre Haute, IN office, fill out our online contact form, or “Walk In Now.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can brown spots be a sign of skin cancer?

Brown spots on the skin can be a sign of skin cancer such as melanoma. Important signs to look for include irregular edges with ragged, notched, or blurred features, uneven color throughout the spot, patchy coloration, and if the brown spot is large in size.

How are age spots treated?

Harmless age spots do not require treatment, but when they interfere with your confidence, there are a variety of ways to minimize their appearance. Certain skin bleaching products, chemical peels, and laser treatments are all effective ways to treat age spots. Keeping out of the sun and using a daily SPF can also help prevent them from forming or worsening.

What causes age spots/brown spots?

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. They can develop faster or in higher concentrations due to genetic predisposition, but they can also be caused by years of sun exposure as UV light speeds up the production of melanin.

Can brown spots be prevented?

Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing age spots and brown spots, which can be difficult to control. Taking steps like avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and wearing a daily SPF can help prevent new brown spots from forming or worsening.

Do age spots fade over time?

Age spots do not typically fade in appearance on their own. With treatment, they can fade to become less noticeable and, sometimes, can disappear altogether.

RYAN T. PATTERSON FOUNDER/CEO, DCNP

Ryan is State Licensed and Nationally Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (NP-C) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Additionally, he is board certified as a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP) by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board. He has 23+ years of Dermatology Experience.

Meet The Team

“I absolutely LOVE Biltmore Dermatology.. From the time I enter the office until I exit. This staff ROCKS. Maddy u are amazing. Thank you for all your help with everything.” – Shelly W.

“The office was able to get me in quick and everyone was very helpful and friendly at the visit. Would highly recommend. Thank you!” – Cody G.

“I had a walk in today and this was my first time here. The staff was very nice and polite! Would definitely recommend this business for all your Dermatology needs!!!” – Warren H.

Read More Testimonials

Testimonials

Testimonials

SHOP SKINCARE PRODUCTS

We rely on medical-grade skincare products with quality ingredients clinically proven to restore and maintain skin health. Find your perfect products and develop a customized skincare routine designed to your skin type and skin concerns.

Schedule your consultation