Symptoms

Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they're more common in adults with light skin. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade with no sun exposure, age spots don't fade.

Age spots:

• Are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
• Are usually tan to dark brown
• Occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back
• Range from freckle size to about 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) across
• Can group together, making them more noticeable

When to see a doctor

Age spots don't require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.

It's best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if a spot:

• Is black
• Is increasing in size
• Has an irregular border
• Has an unusual combination of colors
• Is bleeding