What Are Lentigines?

The lentigo plural is lentigines is better known as a sunspot or liver spot it’s a well-defined spot that develops on sun exposed areas of the skin. They commonly appear on the backs of the hands and the face and are generally brown in color.

Lentigines are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun over years and are usually found on older people. Although lentigines are benign and pose no specific health risks, their unsightly appearance will often lead some people to have them removed in rare cases a type of melanoma may look like a lentigo such that if a lentigo grows over time or changes in color should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Lentigines can be prevented with proper sun protection and skin care. See our treatment video for more information.