They most often appear on the back of hands and surface as a person gets older. On average, liver spots begin to appear after the age of forty. Liver spots are normally a uniform brown color and are uneven or irregularly shaped. They can be as small as a freckle or several inches long. People who are fair skinned are at highest risk to develop these spots.
Liver spots are a natural form of protection provided to cell damaged skin over-exposed to sunlight.
In turn the body, as a defense mechanism, builds up pigment to protect the skin, causing brown discolored areas where the pigment formed. Liver spots are a cosmetic problem and they will not fade or go away on their own. There are many ways to rid the skin of these irregularities, including skin-bleaching creams, peeling agents, freezing, and laser surgery performed by a dermatologist. However, creams or procedures cannot prevent new spots from forming. As with other health concerns, a person with liver spots should consult with a physician before any corrective procedure is done.