Age spots

Posted by: Di

Age spots - 03/13/12 02:04 PM

Does everyone get them? Or am I singled out due to an early hysterectomy? (taking no hormone replacements.)

Getting more on my face, lips etc. Have a few on my hands as well.

Not happy about this. And what are they anyway??
Posted by: yonuh

Re: Age spots - 03/13/12 02:39 PM

I have them all over my hands. They are from sun exposure damaging the melanin-producing cells in the skin - sorta like giant freckles. They can be removed by a dermatologist and shouldn't come back if you stay out of the sun.
Posted by: Di

Re: Age spots - 03/13/12 02:42 PM

Ah.....that answers it. My right side gets more sun when riding to/from our market which is more most of my spots on my face are. I do have a window shade up, but guess that's not enough.

Well, I live in the desert. Such is the life here!
Posted by: Anne HolmesAdministrator

Re: Age spots - 03/13/12 08:41 PM

Yep, I think we all get them. I have a few myself on my face. So far they are minor enough I can cover them with makeup if I feel like it.

Apparently there ARE things we can do to clear them up, most of which involve time, money and medical intervention. Here's one site I found that discusses them a bit. i have no connection to the developers of this site and make nothing from sharing the site. Hopefully the info on it is useful, Di.

The docs on the site DO suggest a doctor look at your spots to assure they are not cancerous, however. Here's what they said:

Quote:
The most important thing if you see any pigmented lesion on your skin is to not assume that it’s benign. If you notice a lesion on your skin, especially if it has any changes in color or shape, you should see a dermatologist to determine if they are cancerous or something to be concerned about.

You may need to have a biopsy performed to determine if the lesion is benign or not. Once the doctor has determined that it is benign, there are a variety of lasers that can be used to improve or remove it.
Posted by: yonuh

Re: Age spots - 03/14/12 12:52 AM

I go for a skin cancer checkup every year and have for a while, ever since I started getting skin tags and various other mole-type growths. I've had some stuff burned off but so far nothing serious. My partner had to have surgery on his face for skin cancer; it took all day as they took skin off micron by micron until they reached cancer-free cells. He has an H-shaped scar now on his forehead that is hardly noticeable - the surgeon did a fantastic job as the original incisions had to be 6" long at least. At least the surgery took all the wrinkles out of his forehead, but I wouldn't recommend that method of wrinkle removal!