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Lentigines - Causes, Symptoms And Treament For The Removal of Lentigines Solar

Alternative name :: Leopard syndrome, Lentigines Solar and lentigines multiple syndrome

What is Lentigines ?

Lentigines are black spots that appear on the body unrelated to sun exposure. Importantly these need to be differentiated from moles becoming skin cancer. They are seen in children and in fair skinned people especially those with red hair who have an inherited predisposition for them.

On the face and other areas exposed to the sun they are an inherited characteristic. These small brown marks are most often seen in fair skinned people, especially those with red hair. Known as ephilides, the colour is due to pigment accumulating in the skin cells (keratinocytes). Although most frequently called liver spots , they are unrelated to the liver or liver function. They are also called age spots.

Causes of Lentigines

Lentigines is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Affected people have large numbers of lentigines (freckle-like lesions present from birth and somewhat darker than true freckles) as the most obvious sign. These are located mostly on the trunk and neck. Affected people also have wide-set eyes (hypertelorism), prominent ears, nerve deafness (partial), and cafe-au-lait spots (light brown birthmarks).

Additional findings include mild pulmonic stenosis and changes in the ECG . Affected people may have abnormal genitalia ( cryptorchidism ), hypogonadism , or delayed puberty.

Symptoms of Lentigines

The lesions tend to increase in number with age, making them common among the middle age and older population. They can vary in size from 0.2 to 2 cm. These flat lesions usually have discrete borders, are dark in color, and have an irregular shape. Some of the common symptoms for Lentigines are :-

• A family history of multiple lentigines.
• Prominent ears.
• Pectus carinatum (abnormalities of the sternum or breastbone).
• Wide-set eyes (hypertelorism).
• Multiple lentigines on neck and trunk (may be on any cutaneous surface).

Treatment for Lentigines

Lentigines are usually benign therefore treatment is not necessary. For cosmetic purposes, some successful treatments include: cryotherapy, hydroquinone preparations (bleaching preparations), retinoids, chemical peels or lasers. Some of the common treatment for Lentigines includes :-

• Topical vitamin C treatment is effective for treating sun spots. Topical vitamin C works well when used in combination with alpha hydroxyacids.
• Lentigines can also be treated with an alpha hydroxyacid peel . This involves applying a mild acid to the skin and then allowing the skin to heal. Chemical peels work best in people with blue eyes and light hair, but can be effective in all skin types. This is the second fastest way to get rid of age spots.
• Lentigines can be removed more effectively by chemical peels , cryotherapy or certain pigment lasers .

Prevention for Lentigines (Lentigines Solar)

• Sun screens should be always used.
• Genetic counseling is recommended for prospective parents with a family history of Lentigines (multiple lentigines syndrome).
• Protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves should wear to aviod excessive sunlight exposure.

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