Liver Spots Cause, Symptoms, Treatment

Liver spots are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. Liver spots, also called age spots, lentigines or lentigos, are sharply defined, rounded, brown or black, flat patches of skin. The epidermis (top surface layer) is expanding with more pigment, developing what looks like a large freckle. One may appear by itself, or as a few clustered together. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function. Many people have a hereditary predisposition to them. While liver spots may develop at an early age, even in childhood, they are more common in older people, especially those who have spent too much time in the sun.

Causes of Liver Spots

Liver spots are changes in skin color associated with older 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 the age of 40. They occur most often on the backs of the hands, on the forearms, shoulder, face, and forehead, areas of highest sun exposure.

They are harmless and painless, but they may affect the cosmetic appearance. Occasionally, liver spots may obscure the diagnosis of skin cancers.

Symptoms of Liver Spots

The main symptom is a skin lesion that is a painless, flat patch or macule (area of skin color change):

• Usual color : light brown to black
• Usual location : hands, arms, or forehead

Diagnosis of Liver Spots

Liver spots mostly appear in areas consistently exposed to sunlight (the face and backs of hands, for example), although they also are occasionally found on less exposed areas.

The spots are usually flat, tan or light brown, oval or irregularly shaped, and always have sharply defined borders. They range from about 1/8-inch to 1-inch in diameter. They do not darken in response to sunlight. Liver spots do not become cancerous. Still, if a spot changes in color, size, or shape, have it examined by your doctor.

Treatment of Liver Spots

No treatment is needed in most cases. The cosmetic appearance of your skin may be improved by the use of skin bleaching lotions or creams. Cryotherapy (freezing) or laser treatment may be recommended to destroy the liver spots.

Homemade remedies for Liver Spots

1. Apple cider vinegar Combine two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of orange juice and apply to the spots, preferably on a cloth or cotton pad that is secured to the area.
2. Lemon juice  Dab some fresh lemon juice on the spots twice daily. If you are going outdoors, wait for the juice to dry as it increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. It may take a few months, but the acidity in the juice will cause the spots to fade away.
3. Buttermilk  Dab buttermilk on the spots. The lactic acid and other ingredients in the milk are beneficial to the skin. Buttermilk has been used for generations as a skin cleanser and as a beauty aid.

Prevention for Liver Spots

• Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
• Use sunglasses to protect the eyes.
• Sunlight is most intense at midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.
• Use high quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before exposure, and reapply frequently. Use sunscreen in the winter, too.