:: Age spots and Sun Damage

:: Age spots/Liver spots

Age spots/liver spots are small brown spots, mostly commonly on the back of the hands but also the arms, chest, face and legs. They are due to a deposit of pigment bearing cells in the superficial layers of the skin. Using the short pulse mode of the laser, most lesions are removed in 1-3 treatments.

The treatments are scheduled at 4-6 weeks intervals. Some swelling and crusting can last up to 1-2 weeks. Once the skin has healed, some fading will be evident.
 

:: Sun Damage - Solar Keratosis

Sun damage can first appear as a small tan, brown or reddish-brown patches ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres in diameter. These have a white scaly top that is rough and gritty to the touch. Left untreated they can grow and multiply, forming large, unsightly areas of skin.

The most common sites for solar keratoses are on the face, ears, neck, forearms, hands and – if you have thinning hair – the scalp.

:: Is it dangerous?

In most cases, a solar keratosis is a benign condition that represents only a cosmetic problem. However, left untreated, it has the potential to develop into more serious skin problems over time, including some forms of skin cancer.

Sun damage can be treated using a topical cream e.g Solaraze or Efudix, liquid nitrogen, photodynamic therapy or even minor surgery.

You will have a thorough assessment during the consultation and be advised on the most appropriate treatment method.

:: Can I avoid solar keratoses in the future?

Solar keratoses usually develop decades after over exposure to UV radiation, so it is possible that you may develop further lesions in future. You can, however, help both yourself and the younger members of your family by ensuring protection from further sun damage:

* Limit exposure to sunshine – don’t spend all day in the sun and always apply a good sunscreen to exposed areas of skin before going outdoors in summer.

* Take special care if you fit this high risk profile: fair hair and blue eyes, especially with Celtic ancestry.