What Is Solar Lentigo?

Solar lentigo, commonly known as age spots or sun spots, are benign pigmented lesions that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are typically flat, brown, or black spots resulting from prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, leading to increased melanin production in the skin.The Kingsley Clinic+1

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

• Increased melanin production by melanocytes.
  
  
• Abnormal pigment retention in keratinocytes.
  
  
• Altered skin repair mechanisms with aging.ScienceDirect+3Sky Blue Dermatology+3DermNet®+3DermNet®+1
  

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

• Types: Q-switched Nd:YAG, picosecond lasers, and intense pulsed light (IPL).
  
  
• Mechanism: Target and break down excess melanin.
  
  
• Efficacy: High patient satisfaction with minimal side effects.
  
  
• Considerations: Avoid on darker skin types to reduce risk of hypopigmentation.ResearchGate+1The Kingsley Clinic+7Dr Tina Fang+7Sky Blue Dermatology+7Wiley Online Library+1
  

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.