What is a sun spot, and why is it harmless?
A sun spot, also called an age spot, liver spot or solar lentigo, is a flat patch of extra pigment left behind by years of ultraviolet light. Sun spots are usually tan to brown, evenly colored, with fairly clear edges, and they show up where the sun hits most: the face, scalp, ears, the backs of the hands and the forearms.
On their own, they are not dangerous. MedlinePlus says aging spots are most often not a cause for worry, and despite the old name, they have nothing to do with liver disease. They do not become cancer over time. What they do tell you is that the skin around them has collected a lot of sun, which is worth knowing because sun exposure is the main driver of skin cancer.
Which spots only look like sun spots?
The trouble is that a few spots that need medical attention can pass for sun spots at a glance. That is why the American Academy of Dermatology warns that what looks like an age spot could be skin cancer, and recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist first.
| Look-alike | How it can look | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Actinic keratosis | A reddish, sometimes rough spot that can resemble a new age spot | Precancerous; some become squamous cell carcinoma |
| Melanoma | A brown or black spot with uneven color or edges, or one that is changing | A serious skin cancer that is most treatable when caught early |
| Other skin cancers | A small shiny or waxy bump, a scaly rough patch, a firm red spot, or a sore that crusts or bleeds | Need diagnosis and treatment, not cosmetic lightening |
The AAD’s actinic keratosis overview describes these growths as precancerous, caused by the sun or indoor tanning, and notes that some turn into squamous cell carcinoma. The descriptions of other skin cancers in the table come from MedlinePlus.
What are the ABCDE warning signs?
The ABCDE checklist is the quickest way to spot a brown mark that needs a closer look. According to the AAD:
- A, asymmetry. One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
- B, border. The edge is irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
- C, color. The color varies from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red or blue.
- D, diameter. Melanomas are usually larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller when found.
- E, evolving. The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
A spot that itches or bleeds also deserves an appointment with a dermatologist, even if it passes the other checks.
Why get checked before a laser or peel?
Because lightening the surface does not treat what lies beneath. A laser or peel aimed at an undiagnosed skin cancer can fade its visible color while the cancer remains, which can make later changes harder to notice and delay a diagnosis. A quick dermatology visit for any doubtful spot protects you from that.
Often the visit simply confirms ordinary sun spots, and cosmetic treatment can go ahead with peace of mind.
How often should you check your own skin?
Regularly. The AAD’s guide to checking your skin says regular self-exams can help catch skin cancer early, when it is highly treatable, and flags any spot that looks different from the others, changes, itches or bleeds. Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror for your back and scalp, or ask a partner to look. Men who work outdoors, have many sun spots or have had a blistering sunburn have extra reason to make it a habit.
What Ultimate Male does before treating pigment
Ultimate Male is a men’s health and aesthetics clinic, not a dermatology practice, and we treat that line seriously. Before any PicoSure Pro or VI Peel treatment, our team looks at each spot you want treated. Anything that is changing, irregular, raised, bleeding or simply unusual is set aside, and we ask you to have it checked by a dermatologist first.
Once a spot is confirmed as an ordinary sun spot, our PicoSure Pro for sun spots page explains how it is treated, and our condition page on sun-damaged skin in men covers the wider picture. Our answer on whether PicoSure removes sun spots permanently explains how to keep results. To start, call 626-319-5261 or explore our aesthetics services.
