Age Markers - Liver spots are flat, brown or black spots that can appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.
Elderly people sometimes develop what are known as liver spots, which are darker areas or blemishes on their skin. Why, and what muses them? Tissues such as hair and skin do not produce their own colour; they get that from neighbouring cells called melanocytes through a remarkable process that involves injection of the pigment raw material, melanin, into the cells of the growing tissue. Fresh melanin is practically colourless, gaining its final colour as the new tissue matures. Even after that, sunlight may cause it to darken further, which is the temporary tanning effect we see in our skin's after unaccustomed exposure to strong sunlight.
People, particularly those with a certain genetic make-up and who have exposed themselves to a lot of ultraviolet light as they aged, may find some of their melanocytes multiplying or darkening, or both, forming visible patches in the skin tissue. The resulting effect is known as freckles, lentigo, or naevus depending on the details. Unlike most similar-looking medically important growths, the typical liver spot is flat, harmless and requires no treatment unless for cosmetic purposes. A medical check-up every year or two, in' case a patch is hiding or developing into something more serious, is not a bad idea, but generally liver spots are of little medical interest except to dermatologists.
Methods of treatment for Liver Spots
If you want your age spots to be less noticeable, treatments are available to lighten or remove them. Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis — the topmost layer of skin — any treatments meant to lighten the age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.
Age spot treatments include:
Medications. Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. Use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is strongly advised if you use medication treatments. The treatments may result in temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness.
Laser and intense pulsed light therapy. Laser and intense pulsed light therapies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin's surface. Treatments with a laser or intense pulsed light typically require two to three sessions.
After treatment, age spots fade gradually over several weeks or months. Laser therapy has few side effects, but it may result in slight discoloration of the skin. Sun protection is necessary after laser or intense pulsed light therapy.
Freezing (cryotherapy). This procedure involves using a cotton-tipped swab to apply liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a single age spot or a small grouping of age spots. The treatment may temporarily irritate the skin and poses a slight risk of permanent scarring or discoloration.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Dermabrasion consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush. This procedure removes the skin surface, and a new layer of skin grows in its place. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once. Temporary redness and scab formation can result from this treatment.
Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive approach that leaves mild skin blemishes with a smoother appearance. You'll need a series of procedures over months to get the full effect. If you have rosacea or tiny red veins on your face, this technique could make the condition worse.
Chemical peel. A chemical peel involves applying an acid, which burns the outer layer of your skin, to the age spots. As your skin peels, new skin forms to take its place. Several treatments may be necessary before you notice any results. Sun protection is strongly advised following this treatment. Temporary redness is likely, and there's a slight risk of permanent changes in skin color.
Because age spot treatments are considered cosmetic, your insurance may not pay for them. And because the procedures can have side effects, discuss your options carefully with a doctor who specializes in skin conditions (dermatologist). Also, make sure your dermatologist is specially trained and experienced in the technique you're considering.
