What should you know about keratosis old age spots?

Age spots, also called solar lentigines, often appear on the face, shoulders, chest, forearms, and hands. They can be tan to dark brown, with a fairly clear edge, and may sit among other signs of sun-damaged skin. Their presence does not confirm that every nearby mark is an age spot. A new, irregular, thickened, itchy, bleeding, or crusted lesion needs assessment rather than cosmetic lightening.

A clinician should confirm the diagnosis before removal. Depending on the spot and your skin, options may include Chemical Peel, IPL Photofacial, Picosecond Laser Treatment, or Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal). Each can cause temporary redness, crusting, or pigment changes, and results vary with the depth of pigment and aftercare. Daily broad-spectrum sun protection and covering exposed skin help limit further darkening.

Arrange prompt review if an age spot changes quickly, develops uneven colour, loses its clear border, becomes raised, bleeds, crusts, or fails to heal. Seek medical advice before any peel, laser, or freezing treatment when the diagnosis is uncertain. Contact a clinician if treated skin becomes increasingly painful, hot, swollen, or produces discharge.

Ask whether the mark is consistent with a sun spot, whether it needs sampling, which treatment fits your skin tone, and how to manage sun exposure during recovery.