02/15/2007

SPOT CHECK

While some people call the brown spots found on sun-damaged skin either “liver spots” or “age spots,” the technical term is “lentigines,” which derives from the Latin for “lentil.” And that is exactly what these harmless spots look like - round, flat, evenly colored, brown lentils. A melanoma lesion, on the other hand, is usually bumpy and irregularly shaped, with dark, varied coloring. So-called sun spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin, which is the brownish pigment produced by melanocytes, or pigment cells, that reside in the outer layer of skin. People with liver spots may have them removed out of purely cosmetic consideration. Laser and freezing treatments administered by the dermatologist are the most common and effective.

On a regular basis, examine your skin from head to toe and look for any changes in size, color, shape or appearance of existing spots. At ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY, we offer evaluation and treatment of various skin conditions, including melanoma lesions, and can also remove liver spots with laser and other techniques. Please call us at 630-832-2111 for high quality, personalized care from a Board Certified Dermatologist. We are located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Most medical insurance, Visa, and MasterCard welcome.

P.S. Dermatologists may also use lasers to remove liver spots.