They are not skin cancer.
They are cosmetic in nature and are generally not cause for concern.
CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
What Are Other Names for Liver Spots?
CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Liver spots are also called age spots, sunspots, or solarlentigo.
Liver Spot Symptoms
Liver spots are painless and harmless.
Liver spots can affect all skin types but are more common among adults with light skin.
Pigmentation is your skins way of protecting itself from further sun damage.
Liver spots have nothing to do with the liver; they are specific to the skin.
What Causes Liver Spots?
Generally, sun exposure causes liver spots.
The overproduction of melanina skin pigment produced in response to UV light exposurechanges skin color.
Tanning outside or in a tanning bed can also cause liver spots.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider can usually identify liver spots by looking at them.
Because treatment can vary, distinguishing liver spots from other skin conditions is important.
They may take a skin biopsy to see if there is any sign ofskin cancer.
Treatment for liver spots may include:
Prognosis
Liver spots are harmless to your health.
True liver spots are not cause for concern; they are a cosmetic sign of sun damage.
They are common among older adults and people with light skin.
Liver spots have nothing to do with the liver.
If your spots are black or have changed in appearance, your healthcare provider should look at the spots.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 surprising facts about indoor tanning.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the symptoms of skin cancer?
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What can get rid of age spots?
National Institute on Aging.Skin care and aging.
