What Are the Causes of Brown Skin Spots?
Also known as age spots, sun spots or liver spots, the most common benign (non-cancerous) brown spots appear on skin that has been exposed to the sun over time, such as the face, arms, upper chest and backs of hands.CauseThe sun’s ultraviolet rays spur pigment-producing skin cells, or melanocytes, to produce more color or pigment, called melanin.TreatmentsSpots can be lightened by applying commercial bleaching creams or home remedies, such as lemon juice. If the spots are unsightly, options include chemical peels, laser resurfacing or intense pulsed light therapy.RisksBrown spots can indicate an increased risk of skin cancer. Any change in the size, shape or appearance of spots, or growth of new spots, should be checked by a dermatologist.Leg SpotsDiabetes can cause a harmless condition called diabetic dermopathy, which may be mistaken for age spots.
