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Liver spots - Overview

Alternative Names

Sun-induced skin changes - liver spots; Senile or solar lentigines; Skin spots - aging; Age spots

Definition of Liver spots:

Liver spots are flat, brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Liver spots are changes in skin color that occur in older skin. The increased color may be brought on by aging, exposure to the sun or other forms of ultraviolet light, or other unknown causes.

Liver spots are extremely common after age 40. They occur most often on areas that have had the greatest sun exposure, such as the:

  • Backs of the hands
  • Face
  • Forearms
  • Forehead
  • Shoulders
  • Reviewed last on: 10/3/2008
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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