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As some people age, they may notice that dark patches have begun
to appear on their skin. These areas of discoloration are known as
age spots, although many people refer to them as liver spots. They
usually appear on the face, hands, and other areas of the body which
have been exposed to the sun on a regular basis.
These age spots are caused by the skin’s overproduction of melanin,
the dark pigment that causes the coloring in the outer skin layer.
This increased production is usually triggered by excessive amounts
of sunlight and other forms of ultraviolet light, such as tanning
beds.
This overproduction can also be a natural side effect of aging
as well as the result of genetics. The spots appear when this extra
melanin becomes clumped in a particular spot on the skin.
Most age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment,
although they may be somewhat unsightly. However, it is still a good
idea to have your doctor check them out. This is especially true of
age spots that are dark in color or those that seem to be increasing
in size.
Spots that are irregular in shape or appear to be an
unusual combination of different colors should also be checked. Your
doctor may want to perform a biopsy on any unusual age spots that
you may have to make sure that they are not a sign of a more serious
condition.
To treat harmless age spots, there are several treatment options
available. There are various prescriptions as well as
over-the-counter medications that you can use to fade these spots.
Laser surgery is also a possibility (albeit an expensive one) in
which the laser can destroy the extra spots of melanin without
causing damage to the rest of your skin. Cryotherapy (freezing) is a
process in which a freezing agent is applied to the area to
eliminate the extra pigment.
Dermabrasion and chemical peels are
also another option to treat age spots.
Age spots are a natural sign of aging in many people. If you are
concerned about these areas of discoloration, you should see your
doctor. He can determine if they are harmless and if they are, he
can give you advice as to the treatment option that is your best bet
for lightening if not eliminating these spots forever.
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