Liver spots

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Lentigo, solar on the back

Lentigo, solar with erythema on the arm

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

No treatment is needed in most cases. You can improve the appearance of your skin by using skin bleaching lotions or creams. Most bleaching lotions use hydroquinone. This can cause blisters or skin reactions in some people. See your health care provider before starting treatment if you are worried.

Freezing (cryotherapy) or laser treatment can be used to destroy the liver spots.

Liver spots are not medically dangerous. They are permanent skin changes that may affect the cosmetic appearance of the skin.

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Liver spots are harmless and painless, but they may affect the appearance. This can cause emotional distress.

Occasionally, liver spots may make it difficult to diagnose skin cancers.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• You have liver spots and want them removed
• You develop any new symptoms, especially changes in the appearance of any liver spot

Review Date: 10/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).