Lentigines Information - solar lentigines removal, multiple lentigines syndrome

Lentigines are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas. Lentigines are caused by the skin being exposed to the sun over many years. If you do not believe that these brown, ugly marks on the back of your hands and face are caused by sunlight, look at the skin on your inner thigh. Multiple lentigines syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

Solar and multiple Lentigines Information

Lentigines are usually benign therefore treatment is not necessary. For cosmetic purposes, some successful treatments include: cryotherapy, hydroquinone preparations (bleaching preparations), retinoids, chemical peels or lasers. When there is one lentigo, there are usually more lentigines. These are located mostly on the trunk and neck. Affected people also have wide-set eyes (hypertelorism), prominent ears, nerve deafness (partial), and cafe-au-lait spots (light brown birthmarks). Multiple lentigines syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by an increased number of lentigines (freckle-like spots). Although most frequently called liver spots , they are unrelated to the liver or liver function. They are also called age spots.

Lentigines are common in those with fair skin but are frequently seen in those who tan easily or have naturally dark skin. Solar Lentigines are due to accumulated pigment cells (melanocytic hyperplasia).

Freckles (ephelides) and lentigines

Freckles (ephelides) and lentigines are flat brown spots. Freckles first appear in young children, darken with ultraviolet exposure, and fade with cessation of sun exposure. In adults, depending on the fairness of the complexion, flat brown spots (lentigines), often with sharp borders, gradually appear in sun-exposed areas, particularly the dorsa of the hands. They do not fade with cessation of sun exposure. They should be evaluated like all pigmented lesions: If the pigmentation is homogeneous and they are symmetric and flat, they are most likely benign. Solar lentigines, so-called liver spots, improve in over 80% of individuals treated with topical 0.1% or 2% 4-hydroxyanisole with tretinoin 0.01% (Solage). Laser and cryotherapy are also effective.

Symptoms of Lentigines

Here are the common Symptoms of Lentigines:

a family history of multiple lentigines
multiple lentigines on neck and trunk (may be on any cutaneous surface)
wide-set eyes (hypertelorism)
prominent ears
pectus excavatum
pectus carinatum (abnormalities of the sternum or breastbone)
slow growth
delayed puberty
absent puberty

Treatment of Lentigines

Topical vitamin C treatment is effective for treating sun spots. Topical vitamin C works well when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacids.
Lentigines can also be treated with an alpha hydroxyacid peel . This involves applying a mild acid to the skin and then allowing the skin to heal. Chemical peels work best in people with blue eyes and light hair, but can be effective in all skin types. This is the second fastest way to get rid of age spots.
Protective measures should be taken to avoid any excessive sunlight exposure. These include sunscreen and protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves.

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