Learn about the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and our masking policy »
New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
ALREADY HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
DON'T HAVE AN ACCESS CODE?
NEED MORE DETAILS?
MyHealth for Mobile
Get the iPhone MyHealth app »
Get the Android MyHealth app »
Skin Spot Symptoms
Skin Spot Symptoms
Skin spots are generally caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, with tanning beds worsening the problem. Actinic keratoses result from damage accumulated over the years, while freckles and age spots are tied to problems with melanin, the pigment that protects skin but can also clump or have its production cells (melanocytes) harmed.
The cause of melasma is not yet clear, but it involves melanocytes making too much color. There are several known triggers and risk factors:
- Skin Color: People whose skin has more color are at greater risk because of their melanocyte activity.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills and replacement therapy all increase risk.
- Sun Exposure: UV light stimulates melanocytes.
- Cosmetics: Some skin-care products can make the problem worse.
The signs and symptoms of skin spots vary by condition.
Age spot symptoms
Also called liver spots or lentigines, age spots are:
- Brown, tan or black
- More common after age 50
- Usually found on sun-exposed areas — face, shoulders, upper back and arms, backs of hands and top of feet
- Flat and oval-shaped
- Less than one-half inch wide but can group together
Actinic keratoses symptoms
Actinic keratoses are rough, reddish, raised bumps that often come and go. Most people don't have problems, but others can experience:
- Rough but invisible skin patches that can feel painful when rubbed
- Itching or burning
- Dry lips