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Although age spots are normal and harmless, they can sometimes resemble skin cancer. While age spots typically remain constant over time, cancerous spots will darken and change in shape, such as growing or becoming more uneven. You can recognize potentially cancerous spots using your ABCDEs: Asymmetric shape Borders (edges) that are uneven Colors that vary, such as different shades of brown, black and tan Diameter that's large (> inch or > 6mm) or changing Evolving, such as changing in size, shape, and color It's always better to be safe when it comes to your health. Your dermatologist can check your age spots to make sure there are no causes for concern. Additionally, they'll help you learn what's normal and what's not. If you don't have a dermatologist, ask your primary care physician for a referral or search for one online. Your doctor will numb the area around the spot before taking a skin biopsy. Then, they'll insert a thin device or scalpel to remove a tiny piece of skin. Next, they'll send that skin off to be tested to make sure the spot is benign. The biopsy may cause you discomfort, but you shouldn't experience any pain. If over-the-counter bleaching creams don't work for you, a prescription option can help. These creams can fade your age spots in a few months with regular use. For example, your doctor may prescribe a bleaching cream called hydroquinone. In some cases, they'll pair this cream with retinoids and a mild steroid to speed up the process. If at-home treatments don't work for you and the brown spots really bother you, there are treatments you can get in a dermatologist's office. These treatments can be more effective than home remedies. Here are some treatments available to you: Laser or light therapy can fade your brown spots, though you will likely need 2 or 3 sessions to see results. Cryotherapy targets the age spots with liquid nitrogen, which freezes the pigment and breaks it up. You might experience some discomfort with this treatment, and scarring can occur. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion involve scrubbing off the top layer of your skin, which can fade your brown spots. However, you'll likely need several treatments, and redness and scabbing can occur. Chemical peels remove the top layer of skin, which is replaced by new skin. With repeated treatments, chemical peels can fade your age spots. However, you'll likely experience redness and discomfort.
See your doctor immediately if a spot darkens or changes shape. Consider seeing a dermatologist for a cancer-check, just in case. Get a skin biopsy if your doctor suspects a spot might be something else. Ask your doctor if a prescription bleaching cream might be right for you. Discuss options for removing persistent age spots if they really bother you.