It can be flat or slightly raised.
SolStock / Getty Images
Lentigo is a singular word.
Lentigines refers to more than one lentigo.
SolStock / Getty Images
Some people also use the term lentigos.
Types of Lentigines
There are many different types of lentigines.
Identifying the jot down you have can help you recognize the cause and whether there are treatment options available.
Here are common types of lentigines.
Lentigo Simplex
Lentigo simplex is a throw in of lentigo that appears during childhood.
Its not associated with exposure to the sun.Researchers dont know what causes lentigo simplex.
However, theres some evidence that lentigines may be more common inkids with atopic dermatitis(eczema).
Lentigo After Exposure
Certain types of lentigines appear soon after exposure to UV rays.
These include:
Lentigo maligna melanoma
Lentigo malignamelanomais a punch in of skin cancer.
Though it shares part of a name, its not a benign lentigo.
Because lentigo maligna melanoma mimics benign age spots, its often misdiagnosed.
Lentigo Symptoms
The most common symptom of a lentigo is a darker area of skin.
The area of skin is darker than your surrounding skin tone.
They may appear tan, brown, or black.
Causes
The causes of lentigines vary.
Most often, they are associated with exposure to UV rays.
Solar lentigines are resulting from exposure to sunlight over the course of our lifetime.
Researchers arent sure what causes lentigo simplex, which is not associated with UV exposure.
Diagnosis
Lentigines are diagnosed after a physical exam by a primary care physician or board-certifieddermatologist.
Your healthcare provider may diagnose them by examining your skin and discussing your symptoms.
If they are concerned that your lentigines may be cancerous, they may perform additionaltesting for skin cancer.
Treatment
Most lentigines do not require treatment.However, some people want to lighten lentigines for aesthetic reasons.
This is most common with solar lentigines.
A lentigo will respond to treatment more effectively if you begin treating it when it first appears.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter skin products that are designed to lighten lentigines or age spots are common.
Products that contain kojic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, andhydroquinonemay help.
You might need to use them for a long time before you notice a difference.
Procedures
A dermatologist can also guide you toward procedures that may lighten a lentigo.
These procedures can be more effective than home remedies for lightening a lentigo.
It is harmless and often appears with age and chronic exposure to the sun.
A lentigo has even color throughout and does not fade after you spend time out of the sun.
A lentigo usually does not have physical symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Changes to your appearance can be vexing.
but they’re a normal part of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lentigo is often due to exposure to the sun or UV rays.
However, some lentigines appear in childhood for reasons that arent understood.
No, a lentigo is not cancer.
If you have concerns about cancer, see a dermatologist.
They are qualified to help distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous skin markings.
Yes, it is possible for some types of lentigo to turn into melanoma.
Its not possible to remove lentigines, and its often not possible to make them disappear completely.
However, there are prescription and over-the-counter treatments and procedures that may reduce the appearance of lentigines.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Lentigines.
Ngan, Vanessa.Lentigo simplex.
2013;26(4):953-955.
Rhodes AR, Stern RS, Melski JW.The PUVA lentigo: an analysis of predisposing factors.Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
Lehrman, Craig.Can you get rid of age spots?The Ohio State University.
City of Hope.Lentigo malign melanoma.
