Liver Spots 

Liver spots - If you are familiar with lentigines then you may be aware that they arereferred to as liver spots or age spots. Lentigines are one of the basic types of freckle. While freckles do tend to appear over time, they are not in themselves a sign of old age. Instead, they appear on sun-exposed areas in people who have a genetic tendency to develop them. So, they are by no means purely a function of age.

The term "liver spots" is entirely misleading – this is not surprising due to medical meanings that seem to make no sense therefore the reason behind the confusion for why some people believe that liver spots is something to do with the liver. They are just the lentigo-type freckles that are commonly seen in older people who are or who have been out in the sun without sufficient sunscreen. Regardless of age, sun protection should be used at all times when going out. The sun is one factor that is the major cause behind premature aging signs. (Dried Apricot)

You may find that in some older people who have these lentigo-type freckles also have raised brown crusty lesions called seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic dermatoses are benign (not malignant) growths of the skin). Even though we are accustomed to seeing these as brown they can differ in colour and range from light tan colour to black. Size also differs from cluster to clutter masses.The sizes can range from a fraction of an inch (or centimetre) to an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

The visible and more noticeable feature of seborrheic keratoses is the waxy look. The waxy impression looks like they have been pasted onto the skin or like that of drops of melted candle wax. Seborrheic keratoses can occur in the same areas as freckles but since they are not caused by sunlight they can also be found on covered areas. When they make their first appearance the growths usually begin one at a time as small rough bumps. Eventually, they thicken and develop a rough warty surface. If at this stage you have any concerns on the matter you should consult your doctor. People believe that freckles locate themselves on the face when in fact they are found on the arms, hands and chest . Some people see liver spots as repulsive blemishes and will go to great lengths to cover them.

They develop because the sun and sun-tanning lights emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. After exposure to sunlight, the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) thickens and the pigment-producing cells (the melanocytic) in the skin produce the pigment melanin at an increased rate. (This gives some protection against future sun exposure.) However (some) protection is never enough so always be extra careful. It is better to be safe than sorry because of the dangers of contracting skin cancer. Skin cancer is a death penalty for some people who choose not to protect themselves from the sun. (Not all) You can find out more on liver spots online.

Irrespective of skin colouring it is the uneven distribution of the melanin pigment in the skin that results in freckling. You will be glad to know that a freckle is nothing more than an unusual heavy deposit of melanin at one spot in the skin. More information on skin concerns can be found online. Skin cancer is very common in people who expose their bodies to the sun more than the time suggested for their safety. Lliver spots and freckle information can also be found in leaflets picked up from your local clinic or doctors surgery.