These spots are common on the backs of the hand, face and legs. Those who tan extensively will also have them over the shoulders, back, chest and many other areas of skin. Lentigines are superficial collections of skin pigment called melanin which have accumulated within the top layer of skin called the epidermis. Ephelides are common in lighter type skin in individuals who sunburn easily.
Lentigines usually appear later in life and can occur in all skin types.
Lentigines are caused by prolonged and repeated sun exposure or sun burns and usually appear later in adult life. Ephelides occur even in children after brief periods of sun exposure. Both types of pigmented spots only rarely occur in non sun exposed areas. Sun avoidance and the use of good sun screen protection can help lessen the appearance of both lentigines and freckles. Pigmented skin spots can be treated with freezing, acids, skin sanding, electric needle and any other methods which causes a superficial destruction of the skin.