They are most often found on the face and hands and are larger and more defined than freckles. Lentigines tend to persist for long periods and do not disappear on the winter (though they may fade). The correct term for a single lesion is solar or actinic lentigo. This condition is common in patients with fair skin, but are also frequently seen in patients who tan easily or have a naturally dark skin tone.

It is important for a Dermatologist Specialist to distinguish the harmless solar lentigo from an early malignant melanoma, subtypes lentigo maligma and lentiginous melanoma. If the freckle has arisen recently, or it is made up of more than one color, or has irregular borders, or if you have any doubts, see your dermatologist for advice. It is sometimes difficult to tell a benign lentigo from a melanoma, particularly if there are atypical features present clinically or pathologically. This cases are referred to as atypical melanocytic hyperplasia. Such lesions should be completely removed by a surgical excision followed up with pathological examination.

Careful sun protection will reduce the number of new solar lentigines. Staying out of the sun and using sun protective clothing is much more effective than the use of sunscreens alone. Sunscreens must have a high sun protection factor (SPF 50+) with a good broad-spectrum cover against ultraviolet radiation (UVA), and should be applied liberally and frequently.

*Disclaimer: Individual results may vary from patient to patient based upon the circumstances and the patient’s specific situation, as well as the time taken to see final results.