What are Sun Spots?
Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines, are flat tan to dark brown patches of skin. They vary in size from a millimeters to a few centimeters and usually appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
Sun spots are caused by years of sun exposure, They are very common in adults over 40, but younger people can develop them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
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Causes and Risk Factors
- Sun exposure: The primary cause
- Age: More common in older adults
- Skin tone: More noticeable in fair skin
Sun spots are mainly caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. This results in an increased amount of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, to accumulate within your skin.
Risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing solar lentigines include:
- Frequent sun exposure without protection
- Use of tanning beds
- Having fair skin
- Being over the age of 50
Treatment Options
At Fairview Dermatology, we offer several effective treatments for sun spots:
- Topical Medications: Prescription creams to lighten the spots over time
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen
- Chemical Peels: Removing the top layer of skin to reduce pigmentation
Dr. Hudson will assess your skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the extent of your solar lentigines, your skin type, and your overall health.
Prevention and Sun Protection
To prevent further sun damage and protect your skin:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily
- Wear protective clothing and hats when outdoors
- Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm)
- Avoid tanning beds
- Perform regular skin self-exams
While it's impossible to completely reverse sun damage, many treatments can significantly improve the appearance of your skin. Consistent sun protection is key to preventing further damage.
Regular check-ups with Dr. Hudson can help monitor your skin health and catch any potential issues early.
What our patients have to say
It is hard to accurately characterize how phenomenal Dr. Hudson is. He makes each patient feel seen, heard, and valuable. His bedside manner is matched with his medical knowledge and care. We cannot recommend Dr. Hudson more.
- Amy C.
Wow the best experience I have ever had with a medical professional. I was treated with the upmost respect and kindness from the moment I walked it the door. Dr Hudson was absolutely PHENOMENAL. I will be returning every time I have a skin issue. May God continue to bless this business, staff and everybody who gets the opportunity to be treated here. EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE!!!
- Amber H.
Wow! Dr. Hudson is such a blessing! I just read some of the prior reviews, and I am at a loss for words how I can add anything more. The care I received was unparalleled in my decades of interacting with medical doctors.
- J D
Fairview Dermatology has the best dermatologist and staff that my husband and I have ever worked with. From day one Dr. Hudson has always made sure to spend quality time with us, never rushing, answering any and all of our questions, making us feel very comfortable and well informed at each visit. His staff is also very supportive, knowledgeable, and understanding whenever we have needed assistance.Dr. Hudson loves what he does, and it shows the minute he walks in the room. I very highly recommend Fairview Dermatology.
- Jen
Great experience. The office is very relaxing and the staff is amazing, very thoughtful and considerate of your needs. Doctor Hudson has the best bed side manner I have ever experienced ! Very thorough, encourages your questions and explains things in a thoughtful manner. He wants to know about you as a patient and as a person. I definitely recommend this group of rare hospitality.
- JK
I've been coming to Fairview Dermatology for several years now. Am so impressed with the kind, helpful and efficient staff! Then there is Dr. Hudson, what an amazing, compassionate and empathetic doctor! You couldn't be in better hands, highly recommend!
- Lore B.
We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Hudson and his team. They are knowledgeable, kind and they take the time to listen. We never felt rushed. Dr. Hudson makes you feel like family. We highly recommend Dr. Hudson to anyone in the area. Our whole family of redheads think he's tops.
- Tammy B.
Dr. Hudson is one of the best, most kind doctors I have ever met! He explains things incredibly well, extremely knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. My wife and I traveled 3 hours to see him and he really took care of us and made us feel like we were the only patients he had to see that day with the amount of time he spent with us! There isn't a better doctor in DFW than Dr. Hudson.
- Austin L.
Kind and capable doctor, pleasant staff...this doctor's office actually cares for the whole patient and it shows! They are conveniently located next to the iPic and I always leave there feeling good!
- Christina F.
Happy staff, clean facility, Dr. Hudson is genuine and caring with fantastic attitude. Staff and tech so nice and engaging. They actually exude wanting to be there! A lost commodity these days. You are missing out if you do not give this practice a try.
- Tina D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Spots
Are solar lentigines dangerous?
Sun spots are generally harmless and don't require treatment. However, they can sometimes be confused with more serious conditions like melanoma. It's important to have any new or changing spots on your skin evaluated by a dermatologist.
Can solar lentigines be prevented?
The best way to prevent sun spots is to protect your skin from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours. It's also helpful to avoid tanning beds.
How long does it take to see results from sun spot treatments?
The timeline for results varies depending on the treatment method and the number of your sun spots. Some treatments, like topical medications, may take months to show noticeable improvement. Other treatments, like cryotherapy, may show results more quickly.
Will sun spots come back after treatment?
While treatments can effectively remove existing sun spots, new ones may develop over time, especially with continued sun exposure. Maintaining good sun protection habits is crucial for preventing new age spots from forming.
Let's Talk
Dr. Hudson and the team at Fairview Dermatology are experienced in treating sun spots and other signs of sun damage. If you're concerned about age spots or want to improve your skin's appearance, we're here to help. Call us at 972-747-0000 or use the form below to request an appointment. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment details.