What causes brown age spots?
Brown spots can appear on skin that looked even for years. This page reads one source on the cause and turns it into steps for a visit in the Saline area.
The cause, in one line
Years of sunlight. www.harvardhealth.org says: "Additionally, exposure to sunlight over the years can lead to age spots and uneven pigmentation."
What the passage asks of you
The passage ties the spots to time spent in the sun, so your own sun history is useful information. It also names uneven pigmentation, so mention any wider uneven areas as well as single spots.
Steps before you book
- Note where the spots sit on your body, such as the face, hands or shoulders.
- Write down any spot that has changed in size, shape or color.
- Ask the clinician whether each spot fits the description of an age spot.
- Ask which spots need a closer look before any treatment is discussed.
Related reading on dark patches
Some dark patches are a separate topic. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has an entry on abnormally dark or light skin. The site www.aad.org also has three pages on melasma: diagnosis and treatment, self-care and how to make melasma less noticeable.
Who to ask if the wording is unclear
Ask the clinician who examines your skin. Bring the line from www.harvardhealth.org and ask them to explain age spots and uneven pigmentation in plain words before you agree to any treatment.