Lentigo Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
As we get older, black or brown spots will appear on everyone’s skin. These spots appear more frequently in areas exposed to the sun –such as the face and back of the hands. This condition is called lentigo or liver spots.
Lentigo can enlarge very slowly, with age. These spots can also appear suddenly. Lentigines is the term used to describe the presence of multiple spots.
There are several types of lentigo, which depend on the cause and where the spots appear on the body:
- Lentigo simplex is the most common type. These spots can appear on the trunk, arms and legs. Lentigo simplex often begins at birth or in childhood and may go away with time.
- Solar lentigo is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. This type is more common in people over the age of 40. However, this type can also be experienced by people who are younger.
This condition occurs when ultraviolet radiation causes pigmented cells called melanocytes to multiply. Solar lentigo can appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, back and arms.
Spots on lentigo solar can enlarge over time. Solar lentigos are sometimes also referred to as age spots.
- Lentigo ink spots can appear after the skin is exposed to sunlight, especially in individuals who have light-pigmented skin.
- Radiation lentigos can appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed to radiation. For example, for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Symptom
Lentigo can cause flat patches to appear on the skin. These patches are generally black or brown, with circular or uneven edges.
Lentigo can appear on different areas of the body, depending on the cause. However, lentigos do not itch or cause other complaints.
Reason
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause lentigos. A person has a higher chance of experiencing this condition if:
- Have skin that is not dark in color
- Often exposed to sunlight
- Using tanning beds
- Have had phototherapy or radiation therapy
- Having certain inherited syndromes
Diagnosis
Although lentigos are generally not life-threatening, it is important to check any skin complaints you are experiencing with your doctor for further evaluation. In some cases, lentigo can be difficult to distinguish from melanoma-type skin cancer.
The doctor will conduct a medical interview and physical examination of the spots that appear on the skin. To ensure that the spots are not cancerous, a biopsy may be needed.
In this examination, the doctor will freeze the area of the skin involved and remove a small portion of the spot. The extracted tissue will be sent to a laboratory for further examination and to see if there is cancer or other skin conditions.
Treatment
Handling of lentigo can be done by rejuvenating or lifting it to support aesthetics. Several types of treatment that can be done are:
- Use of certain medications
- Peeling with chemicals
- Laser therapy or intense pulse light
- Frozen surgery
Prevention
In order to prevent lentigo, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of sunlight between 10 am and 2 pm.
When going to an open place in the sun, it is advisable to use sunscreen according to the doctor’s recommendation. In addition, you can also use appropriate clothing and head coverings.