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Liver spots    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Sun-induced skin changes - liver spots; Senile lentigines; Lentigos; Skin spots - aging; Age spots

Definition:

Liver spots is a skin disorder characterized by flat patches of increased pigmentation, associated with aging or sun exposure.

Causes and Risks

Liver spots are pigmentary changes associated with older skin. The increased pigmentation may be brought on by aging, exposure to sun or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.

Liver spots are extremely common after 40 years old. They occur most often on the backs of the hands, on the forearms, shoulder, face, and forehead. These are the areas of highest sun exposure.

They are harmless and painless, but they may affect the cosmetic appearance. Occasionally, liver spots may mask the diagnosis of skin cancers.

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