Flat, brownish skin discolorations (solar lentigines) found primarily on the face, hands and arms are called age spots, sun spots and sometimes liver spots. Although they have nothing to do with the liver, the name probably comes from their color and liver-shaped appearance.
Age spots…
- vary in size from one-eighth of an inch to several inches
- are the result of accumulated sun damage
- generally show up on skin after age 40
- are often blamed for giving away a person’s age
- are not harmful, nor likely to become malignant.
If what you assume is a liver spot grows or changes, see your doctor.
Risk factors for Liver Spots
Recommendations for Liver Spots
Castor Oil
Although only folk remedy, the easiest way to use castor oil is directly on the area where the spots are. You can try applying it twice a day for several weeks to see if it will make a difference.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| May do some good |
Glossary
Age Spots
Also called "liver spots", these are flat, brown areas usually found on the face, hands, back and feet. They vary in size from 1/8 of an inch to several inches (0.3cm to several cm) and are associated with aging, but long-term sun exposure is also a major cause.
Malignant
Dangerous. mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.