**Age spots are harmless, flat, painless patches, but you should have a clinician check any spot that changes or develops symptoms.**
You may notice light brown to black patches on your face, hands, shoulders, or forearms after years of sun exposure. These spots are also called liver spots, although they have no connection to liver disease. You cannot reliably distinguish every age spot from skin cancer by appearance alone. Arrange an evaluation if a spot changes size, shape, or color, or becomes itchy, painful, crusty, or bleeding. Protect your skin with sunscreen, shade, and clothing.
Spot changes worth checking
Common questions
What are the symptoms of Aging spots - should you be concerned??
Age spots usually appear as flat, painless patches ranging from light brown to black on your face, hands, shoulders, or forearms. Confirmed age spots are harmless and usually need no treatment. However, skin cancer can resemble an age spot. Have a clinician examine a spot that grows, changes shape or color, has uneven borders, or becomes itchy, painful, crusty, or bleeding. A new unusual mark that persists for several weeks also needs evaluation. Protect your skin with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing.