How is sun spots treated?

Sun spots are flat, darker areas that develop after cumulative ultraviolet exposure and are often found on the face, hands, shoulders, and other exposed skin. A changing, irregular, very dark, bleeding, or symptomatic mark should be examined before cosmetic treatment because not every dark patch is a sun spot. Sun-damaged skin and uneven skin tone can coexist, but they do not replace a clinical diagnosis.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and avoiding deliberate tanning help reduce further darkening and new spots. A chemical peel may refresh the surface with a controlled application of a chemical solution. IPL photofacial and picosecond laser treatment deliver energy to selected pigment and are chosen according to the lesion and skin type. Cryotherapy freezes an individual lesion and may be used when appropriate. These procedures can leave temporary redness, crusting, or colour change, so follow aftercare instructions closely.

Book an assessment before treatment if a spot changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, develops a new symptom, or does not resemble your other spots. Seek prompt care for bleeding, ulceration, persistent crusting, or a sore area. After a procedure, contact the clinic for worsening pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or a reaction that concerns you.

Ask whether the mark has been examined closely, which treatment fits its location and your skin type, what temporary changes to expect, and how to protect the area afterward. Discuss whether more than one session may be needed and what new changes should trigger review.