Liver Spots and When to Treat Them

Liver spots are a common name for age spots, and many Elk Grove readers want them gone. This page reports what two dermatology sources say about checking a spot first and where home treatment should stop.

The home approach: treating a spot yourself

The tempting plan is to buy a product and start. Medical News Today describes the marks plainly: "Age spots are harmless marks that appear on the skin due to prolonged exposure to the sun."

The word harmless describes the typical mark. It does not tell you that the mark on your own skin is one.

Look before you treat

Medical News Today adds a condition: "Before a person tries to remove an age spot, they should see a dermatologist to ensure that there is no sign of cancer".

The American Academy of Dermatology agrees on the reason: "A dermatologist can examine your skin and tell you if any of the spots could be skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable."

Both sources put the exam before the removal. Treating first would put the answer second.

What treatment can look like

Once a spot has been checked, options sit on a range. A National Library of Medicine (PMC) article on physician-directed lasers, chemical peels and other noninvasive modalities describes the clinic side. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery lists photorejuvenation among its skin treatments.

Light treatments by name

Healthline explains BBL therapy and how it works. Read it as background only, because it cannot judge a particular spot.

Exam first, then treatment

See a dermatologist before any removal attempt, and again if a spot concerns you. Do not treat a spot until it has been examined.