However, on skin exposed to the sun, they may be accompanied by precancerous scaly, red elevations of the skin called actinic keratoses. Dark spots, which might be cancerous, may also appear to be lentigines. All of these blemishes should be evaluated by a dermatologic surgeon. To moderate exposure, the skin should be protected by a sunscreen having minimum SPF of 15. Treatment of liver spots is usually performed by the dermatologic surgeon in the office or other outpatient facility.
Results can be permanent if a sunscreen is used continuously after removal.
Sunscreens The simplest treatment to protect the skin from further damage and worsening of the spots is use of a sunscreen. Sunscreen is also important after other treatment methods so the spots will not recur. These are topical applications prescribed by the physician to fade small spots. Treatment normally takes anywhere from two months to a year or longer. The dermatologic surgeon freezes the skin tissue with liquid nitrogen to remove liver spots and skin growths.