Sun Spots
Sunlight, the elements and the natural aging process all contribute to the development of dark spots and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes. Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make some one suspicious about pigmented lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, itching, multiple colors or large (or increasing) size. Any suspicious lesion must be biopsied before it is removed. If ever questionable, err on the side of caution.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing the normal surrounding skin.
|
