Are Your Skin Spots Actually Something More Serious?
Are Your Skin Spots Actually Something More Serious?
What's This About?
Ever wondered if those spots on your skin are more than just freckles? Let's dive into what they might really be.
Contents
- Understanding Lentigines
- Café-au-Lait Macules Explained
- Spotting Becker Nevus
Understanding Lentigines
Lentigines are persistent, harmless spots on the skin that don't fade like freckles do. They're often due to sun exposure and can be a sign of skin damage. Two types exist: simple lentigines that appear in childhood and solar lentigines that appear in sun-exposed areas, especially as we age.
Café-au-Lait Macules Explained
Café-au-lait macules (CALM) are flat, pigmented spots that can be present from birth. Having multiple CALM can be a key indicator of neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic condition. These spots vary in size and color but are generally darker than the surrounding skin.
Spotting Becker Nevus
Becker nevus is a harmless patch that usually appears around puberty, often in males. It's large, brown, and may have more hair than surrounding skin. Unlike other spots, it isn't made of melanocytic nevus cells and can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions.
FAQs
What are lentigines?
They are persistent, harmless spots on the skin often caused by sun exposure.
Are café-au-lait macules dangerous?
Not usually, but multiple spots can indicate a genetic condition.
What is unique about Becker nevus?
It often appears around puberty and can be hairy and large.
The Bottom Line
Not all skin spots are harmless—some can indicate more than meets the eye.
Additional References
- Ber Rahman S, Bhawan J. Lentigo. Int J Dermatol 1996; 35:229.
- Gupta G, Williams RE, Mackie RM. The labial melanotic macule: a review of 79 cases. Br J Dermatol 1997; 136:772.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.