What is lentigo and what does it look like?
Lentigo is an area of skin with an increased number of pigment cells and increased melanin content. Externally, this is an even flat spot of light or dark brown color, from a few millimeters to 1–2 centimeters, with clear boundaries and uniform coloring. It does not protrude above the skin and does not change when pressed. The spots appear in groups on areas that have received sun for years and, unlike freckles, do not fade in winter. Over time, there are more of them, and individual elements can merge.
- Flat spot with clear boundaries
- Uniform brown color
- Size from a few millimeters to 1–2 cm
- Localization on open areas of the body
- Doesn't fade in winter, unlike freckles
- Typically multiple elements
Why do spots appear?
The determining factor is the total dose of ultraviolet radiation received over a lifetime. This is why spots appear on the face, hands, forearms and shoulders, while in closed areas they are almost absent. Age plays a role only because sun exposure accumulates over the years and the skin's ability to repair itself decreases. Additionally, light phototype, sunburn in childhood and adolescence, and visiting a solarium have an impact. Sometimes similar spots appear after long-term use of photosensitizing drugs. Multiple lentigines from an early age and in unusual places are a reason for a more careful examination.
- Accumulated ultraviolet radiation
- Sunburn in the past
- Fair skin and red or blond hair
- Visiting the solarium
- Age over 40
- Taking photosensitizing drugs
What can be confused with
Several conditions look similar, and it can be difficult to distinguish them by eye. Seborrheic keratosis is also an age-related formation, but it usually protrudes above the skin and has a rough surface. Melasma produces symmetrical patches with ill-defined boundaries on the forehead, cheeks and above the lip and is associated with hormones. Post-inflammatory pigmentation appears at the site of former rashes. The most important thing is not to miss lentigo maligna and early melanoma: they are characterized by heterogeneous color, uneven edges, growth and changes over time. Dermatoscopy and dynamic observation help here.
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Freckles
- Lentigo maligna and melanoma
Diagnosis and observation
Usually, an examination by a dermatologist with a dermatoscope is sufficient: the device allows you to see the structure of the pigment and reliably distinguish benign lentigo from dangerous formations. It is useful for people with multiple spots to undergo a skin examination once a year, and with a large number of moles and family history - with photographic recording for comparison over time. It is helpful to self-examine your skin every few months, looking for asymmetry, uneven edges, uneven color, size greater than 6mm, and any changes. Suspicious elements are removed with mandatory histological examination.
- Examination by a dermatologist with dermatoscopy
- Annual skin examination for multiple spots
- Photo recording for dynamic observation
- Self-examination based on the rules of asymmetry, edges, color and size
- Excision with histology if suspected
How to lighten spots
The basis of any result is daily sun protection: without it, the pigment returns after any procedure. Use products with a high protection factor, hats and clothing, and avoid the sun during midday hours. External remedies that help are preparations with retinoids, azelaic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C, but the effect takes months to develop and is gradual. Faster results are obtained with medium peels and hardware methods - laser and light exposure that destroys pigment. They are carried out by a doctor after a mandatory examination of the spot: masking an unclear formation with procedures is unacceptable.
- Daily sun protection with high factor
- Hats and long sleeves
- Products with retinoids, azelaic acid, vitamin C
- Course peelings
- Laser and light methods
- Mandatory inspection of the spot before any procedure