Solar Lentigo

What is Solar Lentigo?

Solar lentigines are flat, tan skin lesions that occur on sun-exposed sites of the skin, especially the face, back of hands, forearms, and upper chest and back.

They are benign (not cancerous) and do not cause any symptoms but can be cosmetically displeasing, especially on the face and hands.

Treatment is not required; however Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is often an effective treatment for these lesions. Good sun protection including sunscreen and physical protection (long sleeves, hats) is strongly recommended to prevent more solar lentigines from appearing.

Sometimes, a skin biopsy will be recommended to rule out skin cancer if the appearance is unusual.