Lentigo is a common and benign pigmented lesion of the skin, composed of an increase in melanocytes at the dermal-epidermal junction. Lentigo is a small, sharply circumscribed, pigmented macule surrounded by normal-appearing skin. Lentigines may evolve slowly over years, or they may be eruptive and appear rather suddenly. Pigmentation may be homogeneous or variegated, with a color ranging from brown to black. Lentigines are observed worldwide. The incidence depends on the type of lesion. Lentigo are caused by chronic sun exposure. Heredity does seem to play a role as fair skinned individuals may develop them more easily. Although age is sometimes blamed for lentigo, older individuals have more cumulative sun exposure therefore are more likely to have lentigo.

Lentigines can appear in both children and adults; however, children are more likely to have genetically associated lesions such as those of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Lentigo often found on the cheeks, around the mouth and nose, foot and shoulder. Skin lesions are one to five centimeters in diameter. Lesions appear in irregular shape and dark brown in color. This disease appears on the surface of the skin that is exposed to the sunrays as flat patches in red color. Large lentigo may be difficult to tell from skin cancer by lay persons. Solar lentigo most commonly appears on the face, arms, dorsa of the hands, and upper part of the trunk. Lentigo simplex is an acquired flat brown lesion more commonly seen on the dorsum of the hands and face of the elderly.

Lentigo maligna can resemble lentigo simplex, but tends to show increasing variation in color and edge. Treatments of lentigo include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Noninvasive topical creams are also used. After several months of application, tretinoin cream and hydroquinone cream can lighten lentigines. Cryosurgery is also a beneficial treatment for lentigo. Cryosurgery is a simple treatment for isolated lentigines. Medium-depth chemical peel may be clinically superior to treatment with cryosurgery. Lasers are also effective treatment for various type of lentigo. In cosmetic therapy, a dermatologist may be prescribed medication to reduce the lentigo. Use sunscreen lotions or creams. Wear long skirts, long hat, pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Lentigo Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Use sunscreen lotions or creams.

2. Wear long skirts, long hat, pants and long-sleeved shirts.

3. Cryosurgery is also a beneficial treatment for lentigo.

4. Lasers are also effective treatment for various type of lentigo.

5. Radiation therapy is also effective treatment against lentigo.