Diagnosis Of Age Spots

Age spots are patches of brown or black pigmentation found in places of the body that has been over-exposed to the UV rays of the sun. People who are over the age of 40 may find these skin blemishes appearing on their faces, necks, arms, or shoulders or anywhere that has been exposed to sunlight overtime. They are harmless and not contagious.

Diagnosis is the detection and discovery of the nature and cause of something. Age spots can be diagnosed by a skin specialist, such as a dermatologist. The dermatologist will diagnose if you have age spots on your skin condition by way of observation or a biopsy. A visual is done on the age spots to determine and compare its symptoms to that of other skin conditions. His or her diagnosis would be based on their knowledge of the facts or features of age spots. This would include the color, size and location on the body they appear. If the type of blemish is not clear, then a local anesthetic would be given to the patient and a sample of the skin tissue taken for laboratory tests.

Persons may draw their own conclusion and diagnosis according to their knowledge of age spots. Age spots are patches of discoloration found mostly on the neck, face and arms. It affects those in the upper 40s and above and those affected by over-exposure to the sun. Although they are not contagious or are harmless, it must be understood that the blemishes are not an indication that something is wrong with your liver. And if you are in doubt or are experiencing other symptoms, speak to your doctor or dermatologist who will advise you on what to do.

After the initial diagnosis of age spots is done, a follow up of treatment is recommended. Your dermatologist may refer you to a few over the counter medicines. If your blemishes are severe, he or she may prescribe something stronger. Other treatments are also available such as minor surgeries, short procedures done to remove the spots.

Laser therapy is an effective way of permanently removing age spots. It is almost pain free although it is expensive. Patients will have to do 2 to 3 treatment before results are seen. Some persons who undergo treatment have reported that the spots have returned. But, this is not so as the spots they see are new ones as a result of being in the sun again.  It is important to take the necessary precautions in protecting the skin so as to avoid any reoccurrence of spots.

Protect yourself from the sun, by avoiding it or wearing protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and a good sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or above should be worn each time you go in the sun.

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