Liver spots

Alternative names:

age spots; lentigos; senile lentigines; skin spots-aging; sun-induced skin changes - liver spots

Definition:

A skin disorder characterized by flat patches of increased pigmentation, associated with aging and/or sun exposure.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Liver spots are pigmentary changes associated with senile 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 55 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 may affect the cosmetic appearance.