What should you know about sun spots on body?

Sun spots, also called solar lentigines, can appear on areas that receive repeated sunlight, such as the shoulders, arms, hands, back and legs. They may be tan, brown or deeper in colour, with a smooth surface and a fairly clear edge. A cluster can make the surrounding skin look uneven.

A spot that is scaly, raised, sore, bleeding or unlike the others is not something to label from a photograph alone. A clinician may inspect it with magnification and decide whether it needs monitoring or testing. Dark patches can also follow inflammation, irritation or medicines, so appearance and history both matter.

Cover exposed skin with clothing, seek shade and use broad-spectrum sunscreen on uncovered areas as directed on the product. Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. Avoid picking, scrubbing or using unprescribed lightening products, which can irritate skin and deepen pigment.

If the marks bother you, arrange a skin assessment first. Depending on the diagnosis and your skin type, a clinician may discuss a chemical peel, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment or cryotherapy (lesion removal). These options differ in downtime and risk of temporary colour change.

Book a dermatology assessment promptly if a mark changes in size, shape or colour, develops several shades, becomes raised, crusted, painful, itchy or bleeds. Seek care sooner for a spot that repeatedly catches on clothing or does not heal. Do not delay assessment while trying a cosmetic treatment.

Ask: Does this mark fit a sun spot, or does it need testing? What changes should I photograph or monitor? Which treatment suits my skin tone and the body area? How should I protect the area before and after treatment?