Sun-damaged skin (photoaging and sun spots)

Overview

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and tanning beds breaks down the skin's support fibers and changes its color cells.

Sun spots are flat brown spots on sun-exposed skin. Rough, scaly spots (actinic keratoses) can turn into skin cancer.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Dark spots on skin that gets sun
• Fine lines and wrinkles

Less common

• Rough, scaly spots (actinic keratoses)
• Thin skin that bruises easily
• Uneven skin color

When to get medical care

Causes

Years of UV light from the sun or tanning beds.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Fair skin that burns easily
• Lots of time outdoors
• Tanning beds
• Living in sunny places

Possible complications

• Skin cancer: Sun damage raises the risk

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional looks at your skin, sometimes with a lighted magnifier.

Questions you may be asked

• Sunburn and tanning history
• Any spot that's new or changing

The exam

A full skin check.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Skin biopsy: A small sample is tested if a spot might be cancer.

Treatment

Sun protection stops more damage. Treatments can improve the look of the skin.

Self-care

• Use sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, and reapply outdoors
• Cover up: hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves
• Avoid tanning beds

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A dermatologist may use freezing, lasers, chemical peels, or prescription creams.

Prevention

To protect your skin:

• Sunscreen every day
• Shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• No tanning beds

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Get regular skin checks.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Protecting your skin prevents more damage at any age. Early skin cancers are very treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• Photos of spots that changed

Questions to ask

• Do any spots need a biopsy?
• How often should I get skin checks?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sun-damaged skin (photoaging and sun spots)