Employment | Webliography | Site Map | HIPAAEmail to a FriendPrinter Friendly
   
Skin Conditions...Spots (Age, Sun, Discoloration)

Age, sun, or liver spots are brownish discolorations of the skin that are harmless. These patches of color are most common on the sun exposed areas of the skin. Women can have a similar condition on the face referred to as Melasma. These spots should be watched and evaluated by your dermatologist, since often these spots vary in size and color and can mimic melanoma. The cause of these spots is not fully understood, but most commonly from exposure to the sun, hormonal factors and birth control pills. Irritation in the skin can leave some areas of darker color. Treatment of these spots is often just observation, but alternatives such as bleaching creams, Cryotherapy, and lasers can be of benefit in spots that are of cosmetic concern.

Note: The skin disorder descriptions were compiled by John Campbell, APRN using AAD pamphlets and "Clinical Dermatology. Thomas B. Habif, MD" as a reference. Descriptions were reviewed by: Brad Graham, MD; William Grabski, MD

Treatments:
Laser Spot Treatment
Fotofacial Treatment

Dermatology Associates of Tyler • 1367 Dominion Plaza • Tyler, TX 75703 • 903.534.6200 • 903.939.0755 (fax) • 877-610-5151 (toll-free)

© 2008 SpyderNet - Dermatology Associates of Tyler • All Rights Reserved • DisclaimerTerms of UsePrivacyWebmaster