AGE SPOTS

WHAT ARE AGE SPOTS?

Age spots are a natural phenomenon that affects many people as they get older. An age spot is a light brown to black discoloration of the skin. In principle, however, they are pigment spots that develop as a result of skin aging and years of sun exposure.

WHERE DO AGE SPOTS FORM?

They often appear on the face, hands, and legs, as these areas of the body are frequently exposed to the sun.

  • Age spots on the face are very common, as this is an area that is often exposed to the sun, which is a major cause of these spots. Age spots on the face typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, and nose.
  • Age spots usually appear on the back of the hands and, like age spots on the face, can grow and merge into one another. Age spots on the hands can be flat and brownish in color. Sometimes age spots on the hands also appear as raised growths called seborrheic keratoses. 
  • Age spots can also appear on the arms, shoulders, and legs, for example. Just like on the face, these pigmentation changes are caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or certain medications.

Whether on the face, hands, or body, age spots usually appear after the age of 40 and are a natural sign of aging. They can affect people of all skin types but are more common in people with fair skin.

HOW DO AGE SPOTS FORM?

Age spots are caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or certain medications.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AGE SPOTS AND MOLES?

Moles are usually congenital or appear early in life, while age spots develop later in life due to UV radiation. Age spots are usually flat and can vary in color from light brown to dark brown. They are often larger than moles and have a uniform color.

It is important to monitor skin changes regularly and consult a dermatologist if you have any concerns to ensure that the changes are harmless.

ARE AGE SPOTS DANGEROUS OR JUST COSMETIC?

Age spots are not dangerous and do not pose a health risk. They are purely a cosmetic change to the skin and, according to current knowledge, do not lead to cancer.

FOR OUR MEASUREMENTS/STUDIES, WE NEED ISOLATED AGE SPOTS!

... these should not run into each other or occur in clusters, as we need good imaging to contrast them with the surrounding tissue.