Age spots, also known as hyperpigmentation are a common skin problem. This condition can be frustrating to deal with as age spots seem to appear out of nowhere!
Other kinds of hyperpigmentation:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a skin discoloration following an inflammatory skin condition such as acne.
- Melasma, commonly known as pregnancy mask.
- Riehl's Melanosis, a form of dermatitis thought to be caused by excessive sun exposure.
- Poikiloderma of Civatte, a skin condition turning the back of the neck a reddish brown color.
What Causes Age Spots:
The color of an individual's skin is partially determined by the biosynthesis of melanin (skin pigment). This process is called melanogenesis. Tyrosinase is one of the key enzymes in the synthesising of melanin. Excessive UV light exposure (tanning beds included), aging, and genetics can lead to abnormal tyrosinase production. When this occurs, abnormal melanin is produced depositing on the skin causing hyperpigmentation.
Age spots can develop anywhere, but they are mostly likely to appear on parts of the body that receive the most UV exposure, including:
- Face
- Back of neck
- Back of hands
- Shoulders
- Arms
- Back
Different things that can affect age spots:
- Estrogens
- Tetracyclines
- Amiodarone
- Phenytoin
- Phenothiazines
- Sulfonamides
Am I at risk?
Anyone is at risk of developing age spots. However, age spots are more common in people with certain risk factors. These include:
- 40 years of age and older
- Fair complexion
- Excessive sun exposure
- Excessive tanning bed use
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