Black spots on skin, not sure what they are.

[CuriousPix]

Recently, I've developed dark spots on my chest, torso, bikini area and on my left buttocks. I've been exposed to the sun alot recently as well and only noticed these spots after a holiday where I went to alot of outdoor activities. I'm not sure if it's something harmful as they don't itch or turn red or anything, they just popped up and I didn't notice they were spreading until recently.

Any suggestions on what it could be? I'll post a picture.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms they look like lentigenes. They are harmless, flat, brown discolorations of the skin which usually occur on the back of the hands, neck and face of people older than 40 years of age. They are caused by the skin being exposed to the sun over many years and are a sigh of sun damage. The only way to prevent age spots is to use liberal amounts of sunscreen before the age of forty, avoid the sun, and wear protective clothing.

The newest treatment for age spots is an alpha hydroxy acid gel or beta hydroxy acid gel.  Retin-A cream, alpha hydroxyacid peels, and liquid nitrogen therapy are other options.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[CuriousPix]

Thank you for responding. I was also wondering if it was that as well and I'll have it checked out.

[maatson]

My clinical impression is that these are Solar Lentigo's. Do check with your doc.