Oct 5, 2009 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Health: Getting Rid Of Age Spots
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Barbara Sullivan spends a lot of time outside with her dog and playing tennis. She tries to protect herself with sun block, but it wasn't enough.
"I started noticing age spots about four, five years ago," said Barbara.
And she just turned 40. Age spots aren't exclusive to the golden years anymore. Doctors are now seeing them on younger people, even in their 20's.
"As more and more people go out into the sun without protection," said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist.
Unlike freckles, which are genetic, these small to medium brownish spots are caused by exposure to the sun and appear on certain areas of the body more than others.
"Age spots most commonly appear on places that, well, get a lot of sun, the back of your hands, your chest, your face," said Dr. Hirsch.
Doctors say there are several effective over-the-counter and prescription strength topical treatments to fade age spots and prevent more. The newest high-tech treatment is laser zapping.
"The most specific therapy is to use a laser which very specifically, like a smart bomb, targets the brown spots in the skin, destroy only those areas that are damaged by the sun and leaving the remaining skin intact," said Dr. Hirsch.
Chemical skin peels can also help even out the skin.
It's Barbara's solution. Plus she says, "Now I use a lot more sunscreen."
Doctors say age spots are usually harmless, but if the size or color changes dramatically, you should get it checked by a doctor.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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