Solar Lentigo

Patient Information Pamphlet

What is Keratosis Pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris is a very common, harmless skin condition often described as “chicken skin.” It causes tiny, rough bumps on the skin due to excess keratin (a skin protein) plugging the hair folliclesen.wikipedia.orgdermnetnz.org. The bumps are usually the same color as your skin or slightly red-tinged and feel like sandpaper or permanent goosebumps. KP most often appears on the outer upper arms and thighs, but it can also occur on the buttocks, cheeks, or other areas with hair folliclesen.wikipedia.orgdermnetnz.org. It typically starts in childhood and becomes more noticeable in the teen years, though it can affect adults as welldermnetnz.orgmy.clevelandclinic.org. KP is benign and not contagious, but many people seek treatment due to its cosmetic appearanceen.wikipedia.org. There are no serious health risks – it doesn’t lead to infections or skin cancer and is not a sign of poor hygiene. In fact, dermatologists often consider KP more of a skin-type variation than a diseasemy.clevelandclinic.org.

Risk Factors

  • Chronic Sun Exposure: Extended periods of unprotected sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence.

  • Age: More common in individuals over 40 years old.

  • Skin Type: Fair-skinned individuals are more susceptible.

  • Geographical Location: Living in sunny climates or at high altitudes increases UV exposure.

  • Artificial UV Exposure: Use of tanning beds or certain UV therapies.DoveMed+1DermNet®The Kingsley Clinic

Causes

Solar lentigines are caused by cumulative UV radiation over time, leading to:Devonshire Dermatology+6The Kingsley Clinic+6Dr Chong Clinic+6

Clinical Features

  • Appearance: Flat, well-demarcated, brown to black spots.

  • Size: Ranges from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

  • Location: Commonly found on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

  • Symptoms: Typically asymptomatic; no itching, pain, or bleeding.Atlases+14The Kingsley Clinic+14DoveMed+14DoveMed

Diagnostic Approach

  • Clinical Examination: Assessment of lesion characteristics and patient history.

  • Dermoscopy: Identification of reticular or fingerprint-like patterns.

  • Skin Biopsy: Performed if there’s suspicion of malignancy or atypical features.The Kingsley Clinic

Treatment Options

1. Laser Therapy

2. Cryotherapy

  • Method: Application of liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesion.

  • Efficacy: Effective for small lesions.

  • Risks: Potential for hypopigmented scars, especially on the face.Dr Tina Fang

3. Topical Treatments

  • Hydroquinone: A bleaching agent; effectiveness may vary.

  • Cysteamine Cream: Emerging treatment option for hyperpigmentation.

  • Retinoids: May help in reducing pigmentation over time.Devonshire Dermatology+1

4. Sun Protection

  • Sunscreen: Regular use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

  • Protective Clothing: Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing.

  • Avoidance of Peak Sun Hours: Limiting sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.Wikipedia+1

Prevention

  • Early Sun Protection: Implementing sun safety measures from a young age.

  • Regular Skin Checks: Monitoring for new or changing lesions.

  • Education: Raising awareness about the risks of UV exposure.

Prognosis

Solar lentigines are generally harmless and do not progress to skin cancer. With appropriate treatment and sun protection, they can be effectively managed.DermNet®+5Dr Chong Clinic+5HMP Global Learning Network+5

Sources

  1. DermNet. Solar lentigo.

  2. Dr. Chong Clinic. Solar Lentigo: Causes, Prevention & Treatment.

  3. Devonshire Dermatology. Understanding Solar Lentigo: Causes and Treatment Options.

  4. The Kingsley Clinic. Solar Lentigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options.

  5. DoveMed. Solar Lentigo.

  6. Lentigo pathology – DermNet.

  7. Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.

  8. Histopathology of solar lentigines of the face: A quantitative study.

  9. Solar lentigines – dermoscopedia.

  10. A Dermatologist’s short guide to (facial) pigmentation – Sky Blue.

 

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