What are the symptoms of Aging spots - should you be concerned??
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**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.
What to do
- **Watch for changes:** Check your skin for spots that change size, shape, color, or texture.
- **Arrange an exam:** Contact a clinician if a spot changes, bleeds, crusts, itches, or hurts.
- **Check persistent marks:** Have a new unusual mark evaluated if it remains after several weeks.
- **Use sunscreen:** Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapply as directed.
- **Seek shade:** Limit midday sun exposure and cover your skin with clothing and a hat.
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