Solar Lentigo

Flat brown-pigmented areas or spots often develop in sun-exposed areas (face, backs of hands and forearms) in mature individual (40+ yrs. of age).

These spots are the result of cumulative sun exposure. They may develop after an episode of acute sunburn. Other flat brown spots (freckles, moles, etc. not due to sun exposure) may be confused with solar lentigo.

Treatment

Solar lentigines do not require treatment. Treatment is often requested of the face or the backs of the hands by patients who do not like their appearance. Sun avoidance and use of sunscreens is important to prevent the development of new lesions, increase in size of current lesions or darkening of the lesions. The best treatment is using the laser. Most lentigo can be completely removed with only one or two treatments. Light freezing with liquid nitrogen may lighten lesions and cause them to be less noticeable. Bleaching creams and agents are rarely successful. Unfortunately, treatment of lentigo is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by most insurance plans. The best treatment is prevention.