Understanding lentigo: Causes, symptoms and treatments

I'm a family doctor and medical director of French origin, having completed my schooling and practiced in France before moving to Quebec. Today, we're going to tackle a common but often overlooked dermatological subject: lentigo, also known as lentigines. These pigmented spots can be a cause for concern, but are generally benign. Let's take a look at what lentigo is, its causes, symptoms and available treatment options.

What is lentigo?

Lentigo, or lentigines in the plural, manifests itself as pigmented spots on the skin, generally brown or black in color. These spots result from a localized increase in melanin, the pigment responsible for skin coloration. There are several types of lentigines, including :

-Solar lentigo: Appears following prolonged exposure to the sun.

-Simple lentigo: present from birth or appearing early in childhood, unrelated to sun exposure.

-Senile lentigo: Occurs in the elderly, often on sun-exposed areas.

Causes of lentigo

Lentigines can have various origins. The main causes include:

-Sun exposure: the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanin production, leading to the formation of solar lentigines.

-Aging: With age, the skin becomes more susceptible to developing lentigines, particularly senile lentigines.

-Genetic predisposition: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing simple lentigines.

Lentigo symptoms

Lentigines generally appear as small, flat spots, oval or round in shape, and light brown to black in color. They can vary in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Unlike freckles (ephelides), lentigines do not fade in winter, nor do they necessarily darken with exposure to the sun.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of lentigo is usually clinical, based on visual examination of the skin. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions, such as melanoma.

Treatment options

Although lentigines are benign and do not require medical treatment, some people wish to have them removed for aesthetic reasons. Here are some treatment options:

-Cryotherapy: Use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy pigmentation spots.

-Laser: Use of specific lasers to target and destroy pigmented cells.

-Chemical peels: Application of acids to the skin to exfoliate surface layers and reduce blemishes.

-Depigmenting creams: Use of topical products containing depigmenting agents to lighten spots.

Prevention

The best prevention against lentigines is sun protection. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of developing lentigines:

-Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, even on cloudy days.

-Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.

-Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.

Conclusion

Lentigo is a common and generally benign condition that can be effectively managed with preventive measures and appropriate treatments. If you have concerns about pigment spots on your skin, it's always advisable to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and advice tailored to your situation.

For more information on skin care and treatment options, please visit allodocteur.ca.