Lentigines - Information on Lentigines

Lentigines Information

Lentigines is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Lentigines may occur to the people at any age. Lentigines may appear at any where of the body part varying in colour from tan-brown to black. Viewed under the microscope a lentigo shows an increased number of normal melanocytes (skin cells that produce the pigment melanin that produces skin colour). Melanocytes appear to replace keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. The backs of hands and face are common areas.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Lentigines.

Causes of Lentigines

The major cause of lentigines is exposure to the sun. Lentigines most often appear on parts of the body that get the most sun, including the face and hands. Some lentigines might be caused by genetics (family history) or by medical procedures such as radiation therapy Multiple lentigines syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait . Affected people have large numbers of lentigines -- present from birth and somewhat darker than true freckles -- as the most obvious sign. These are located mostly on the trunk and neck. Affected people also have wide-set eyes (hypertelorism), prominent ears, nerve deafness (partial), and cafe-au-lait spots (light brown birthmarks).Additional findings include mild pulmonic stenosis and changes in the ECG (electrocardiogram). Affected people may have abnormal genitalia ( cryptorchidism ), hypogonadism , or delayed puberty.

Treatment of Lentigines

Lentigines require no specific treatment. Treatment of Lentigines> includes:

• The newest treatment for lentigines is alpha hydroxy acid gel such as NeoStrata Gel Plus - AHA and beta hydroxy acid gel.  The lotion or cream is applied to the spots each night and in the morning.
• Topical vitamin C treatment is effective for treating sun spots. Topical vitamin C works well when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacids.
• Another treatment for lentigines is Retin-A . Retin-A cream is applied to the spots once a day for six months. This will cause lightening of large age spots and will make small ones disappear. Retin-A cream can be used in combination with alpha hydroxyacid.
• Lentigines can also be treated with an alpha hydroxyacid peel . This involves applying a mild acid to the skin and then allowing the skin to heal. Chemical peels work best in people with blue eyes and light hair, but can be effective in all skin types. This is the second fastest way to get rid of age spots.
• Liquid nitrogen therapy is the quickest way to get rid of lentigines. Liquid nitrogen is air that is so cold that it is in liquid form (-321ºF). The health care provider sprays the liquid nitrogen onto the age spot and this causes the mark to turn white a month or so after treatment. When liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the skin, it can sting and may cause a permanent white spot or scar.
• A broad-spectrum sunscreen may help to prevent further appearance and darkening of solar lentigines. Several creams may lighten lentigines if applied for a number of months. These include hydroquinone or antioxidants.