What is a Lentigo?

There are several skin lesions that are very common and benign (non‐cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses. A lentigo (plural: lentigines) is a benign spot on the skin that is darker (usually brown) than the surrounding skin. A lentigo is one of the most common growths that occur on the skin. Lentigo is often referred to as liver spots or age spots. Lentigo are most frequently seen in adults over thirty, and they occur most commonly on sun exposed skin, face, back of hands, arms, chest and lower legs. Lentigines are more common among whites, especially those with fair skin. Lentigines are benign, but they do indicate excessive sun exposure, a risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

• It may appear on any sun-exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, backs of hands, forearms, or lips.
• Lentigines may be single or multiple.
• They are typically tan or brown in color, and are generally flat.
• Seen mostly on sun exposed skin, face, back of hands, arms, chest and lower legs

Causes

• Exposure to the sun seems to be the major cause of lentigines.
• By genetics (family history).
• By medical procedures such as radiation therapy.

Treatment

• CryoPen.