Liver Spots
Liver spots are also called brown spots and age spots. They are flat, brownish-yellow spots that look similar to large freckles. Most researchers believe they are not caused by the liver, but some have listed impaired liver function as a possible cause. Other causes include a nutritional or dietary deficiency, too much exposure to the sun, and an effect of aging. If you have spots that change in size, texture or color, check with your physician immediately, as these can be symptoms of skin cancer.
Ultraviolet light can accelerate your body’s melanin production. This is the dark pigment than gives your skin the color it shows. Extra melanin, which is produced by the body to protect the layers of your skin that lay deeper, creates the dark color of a tanned skin. You develop liver spots when the extra melanin is produced in higher than normal concentrations, and becomes “clumped”.
Anyone can develop liver spots, but you may be more prone to them if you have fair or light-colored skin, and if you have a history of intense sunburns or sun exposure.
Your dermatologist may diagnose liver spots by inspecting your skin, or by doing a biopsy, if there is a question that you may have skin cancer.
There are some other spots that look like liver spots but are unrelated. They include moles, seborrheic keratoses and lentigo maligna.
If your liver spots bother you, there are treatments that can lighten them, or remove them altogether. Since these spots are located at the epidermis’ base, any treatment to effectively lighten the liver spots will have to penetrate through this skin layer.
Treatments for liver spots include prescription bleaching creams, which can be used by themselves or with retinoids. Added to a mild steroid treatment, these may help to fade the liver spots over a period of a few months. You will also want to protect your skin from the sun while you use medications to treat it.
Laster therapy can destroy the extra melanocytes that cause the liver spots, without damaging the surface of your skin. You will normally have several sessions for a full treatment. Laser therapy doesn’t have many side effects, but it can be fairly expensive.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen or a similar freezing agent applied to the liver spots, effectively destroying the extra pigment that makes the spots visible. As the area of the skin heals, the skin begins to appear lighter. This method is usually effective, but can sometimes result in permanent discoloration or scarring.
Dermabrasion is planing the skin’s surface layer with a brush that rotates rapidly. This removes the surface layer, and a new layer will grow there. You may have a temporary scab and redness in the area.
Chemical peels on the superficial or medium-depth can help to fade liver spots. Several treatments may be necessary to fully get rid of the liver spots. Be sure to protect that area from sun after treatment.
How can you prevent liver spots? You can minimize your skin’s exposure to the sun. If you have to work in the sun, or be outside for any period of time, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Make sure that it blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply your sunscreen liberally, about a half hour before you go outside, so it can absorb into your skin. Reapply as needed – usually every hour.
Stay out of the sun during the high intensity hours, generally from 10 AM to 4 PM. Work on chores or hobbies inside the house at these times, and do your outdoor work or play at other times. Wear protective clothing if you do go outdoors, especially in peak sun hours. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. Add a brimmed hat for extra facial protection.
