TREATMENT OF LIVER SPOTS

People may not feel good with the liver spots.  Hence they need treatment to clear the spots.  Treatments are available to lighten the spots.  Pigment is usually located at the base of the epidermis.

Liver spots may also be considered as the pigment problem.  Hence to lighten the liver spots creams must penetrate the skin layer and repair the pigments.  Hydroquinone which is considered as bleaching cream is used alone.  They are applied on the surface of the skins especially on the lesions.  This hydroquinone can also be used with the retinoids like tretinoid.  Using mild steroids may also gradually fade the spots over several months.  Sun screen can also be used to reduce the darkness of the liver spots.  Patients are adviced to avoid the sun in severe case.

Dermabrasion is another method of treating liver spots.  This procedure includes the removal of the skin surface.  This can be done by crushing the surface layer of the skin with rapidly rotating brush.  New layer of skin grows in the place of removed skin.  This treatment may cause redness and temporary scab formation.  Another treatment includes applying an acid on the outer layer of the skin. This peels the skin and as a result new skin is formed.  In this treatment sun protection is strongly adviced.  This helps in gradual fading of the liver spots.  All the methods may have side effects.  Hence patients must be sure to discuss about the treatment method to the doctors.  Whatever it may be prevention is better than cure.