Sun spots are common discolored areas on the skin, primarily due to sun exposure. While most are harmless, some can indicate a more serious condition, such as skin cancer. Recognizing the distinctions between benign spots and those that warrant medical attention is important for skin health.
What Are Common Sun Spots?
Common benign sun spots often appear as flat, darkened areas. Solar lentigines, also known as age spots or liver spots, are flat patches ranging from light tan to dark brown or black. They often appear on sun-exposed areas like the hands, shoulders, and face. Unlike freckles, which may fade, solar lentigines persist indefinitely. They result from increased melanin production due to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Seborrheic keratoses are another common, non-cancerous skin growth sometimes mistaken for sun spots. These growths can be round or oval, raised, and have a waxy, rough, or scaly texture, often appearing “pasted on” the skin. They range in color from light tan to brown or black and can occur on the face, chest, back, or shoulders. Seborrheic keratoses generally appear in middle age and may increase with age.
Identifying Concerning Sun Spots
Identifying sun spots that may be a cause for concern involves looking for specific changes. Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, often presents with characteristics remembered using the ABCDE rule. “A” is for Asymmetry, meaning one half of the spot does not match the other. “B” is for Border, indicating irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
“C” represents Color, where the spot has varying colors like tan, brown, black, white, red, or blue. “D” is for Diameter, as melanomas are typically larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. “E” signifies Evolving, which is any change in the spot’s size, shape, color, or elevation, or new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting.
Other forms of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), also have distinct warning signs. Basal cell carcinomas often appear as a shiny, translucent, pearly bump, which can be pink, red, brown, or glossy black on darker skin tones. They may have tiny visible blood vessels, a raised edge with a central indentation, or resemble a flat, scaly patch. These growths can bleed, ooze, or crust, and may persist for weeks, sometimes appearing to heal before returning.
Squamous cell carcinomas commonly present as rough or scaly red patches that might crust or bleed. They can also look like warts, open sores that do not heal, or elevated growths with a central depression that may bleed or itch. These lesions often occur on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, and hands. Any new growth, non-healing sore, or change in an existing spot or mole should prompt a professional evaluation.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
If you notice any concerning changes in a sun spot, seek a professional evaluation. A dermatologist or general practitioner can assess the spot and determine if further action is needed. The doctor will begin with a visual examination, often using a specialized handheld device called a dermatoscope.
Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique using magnification and light to examine skin structures not visible to the naked eye, aiding in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. If the spot remains suspicious, a skin biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small skin sample for microscopic analysis to determine if cancer cells are present.
Preventing Sun Spots
Proactive measures can help prevent new sun spots and reduce sun-induced skin damage. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is a primary protective step. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which contribute to aging and skin cancer, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn and also increase skin cancer risk. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, or SPF 30 or higher for extended outdoor activity, generously to all exposed skin 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats, provides a physical barrier against UV radiation. Tightly woven fabrics and darker colors offer better protection. Seeking shade, particularly during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is also effective in minimizing UV exposure. Avoiding tanning beds is important, as their UV radiation increases the risk of skin damage and cancer.