Lentigines

Characteristics of lentigines

Lentigines are pigmented lesions of congenital or acquired nature. Its color is not uniform, but usually takes on shades of brown and outline is distinct. There may be one or more lesions on the body. They are most commonly found on the face, shoulders, back and hands. Lentigines reach a size of 2 millimeters to 2 centimeters, and its shape may be irregular. Its color results from the proliferation of melanocytes, the pigment cells of the skin. Unlike freckles, it does not darken when exposed to sunlight.

Causes of lentigines

Lentigines may be congenital, and therefore genetic, or acquired. The most common causes of these lesions include sunlight and aging. The spots may also occur in people treated with photochemotherapy or who suffer from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, LEOPARD syndrome, Carney syndrome, and xeroderma pigmentosum.

Types of lentigines

There are the following types of lentigines:

Common lentigines – genetic in origin, occur on the skin from birth.
Sun lentigines – caused by UV light and may disappear after prolonged avoidance of sun exposure.
Senile lentigines – are the result of aging and years of sunlight. They do not disappear spontaneously.
Malignant lentigines is a melanoma in situ that develops on skin with features of photoaging. Melanoma arising from malignant lentigines is a neoplasm that usually occurs in elderly Caucasians and is mostly localized to the facial skin.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

Any pigmented lesion on the skin should be consulted with a dermatologist. Examination of the skin with the Fotofinder videodermatoscopy is an effective diagnostic method that allows for a thorough inspection of the lesion, identification of possible biopsy sites, or determination that the spot is benign. This examination is very precise and completely non-invasive. The device is equipped with a camera recording images in digital quality, perfectly showing the structure of photographed lesion. The lesion is immediately analyzed and documented, which makes it possible to follow any transformations within it during follow-up visits. We immediately know if the lesion is harmless, requires further observation, is potentially dangerous or qualifies for removal.

In case of irregular margins or dark pigmentation, biopsy and histopathological examination should be performed to rule out malignant lentigines. This is a non-invasive and safe method that is excellent for the diagnosis of lentigines.

In our Clinic, we use the Picosecond Discovery Pico Plus laser to remove lentigines, which is one of the newest and most effective methods of removing pigmented lesions. Thanks to the combination of three laser wavelengths, the treatment is comfortable, short and safe. The underlying technology of this method is that the laser is able to break down pigment, which is then excreted by the skin for 3-4 weeks after treatment. The risk of scarring and thermal damage is reduced to almost zero. This is achieved by using a photomechanical effect and not, as with other technologies, a thermal effect. The Picosecond Discovery Pico Plus laser is ideal for the reduction of superficial and deep pigmented lesions – the former can be removed with the first treatment. In addition, superficial laser ablation or trichloroacetic acid treatment is also successfully used to remove lentigines.

Make an appointment

32 6100 690

recepcja@klinikazakrzewscy.pl

I consent to the processing of my personal data in order to receive an answer to my question

The data will be processed by Zakrzewscy Clinic sp. z o.o. z siedzibą: ul. Porcelanowa 23b, 40-246 Katowice in accordance with the law on the provision of services by electronic means by electronic means and regulations on the protection of personal data in order to answer your question, to provide information about products and services or to provide commercial information. I declare that providing my personal data is voluntary and that I have been informed of the right of access to my personal data personal data, the possibility to correct them and the right to revoke consent at any time. The data will not be made available made available to third parties.

Send message