(>6 mm in diameter) and primarily round (unlike many melanomas) They are typically larger than other nevi

The presence of more than 20 moles indicates a higher-than-average riskĪtypical moles are nevi with a slightly different clinicalĪnd histologic appearance. While the majority of moles are benign, some become cancerous. Histologic examination should be performed on all moles that are Should be adequately excised (versus being shaved) if the patient isĬoncerned about hair growth otherwise, hair regrowth will occur. 2,8 The removal of moles forĬosmetic purposes is achieved by shaving or excision. It may remain for decades moles typically become more raised and less Mole (nevus) is a flat or raised discoloration, usually dark in color, Moles (nevi) and atypical moles (dysplastic nevi): A 6,7 Cryotherapy or laser treatment can be used to eliminate age spots. To lighten the pigmentation patients should be counseled regardingīurning, blistering, fissuring, or other skin reactions that may occur Topical skin bleaching preparations, such as hydroquinone, may be used

Such as the face, shoulders, forearms, and back of the hands. 5Īge spots appear most often on areas of skin likely to get UV exposure 2,6 These skin discolorations develop after many years of sun exposure, and although they are referred to as liver spots, they have no relationship to the liver or liver function. Vitamin D to its active form, vitamin D supplementation with calcium forīone health in seniors should be considered (see RESOURCES).Įlevations and Discolorations of the SkinĪge spots (liver spots, lentigos): With an appearance similar to a freckle, an age spot is flat and light brown in hue it is common after age 40 years. Since aging skin functions less well and becomes less able to convert Sunscreen, and the FDA’s significant changes to sunscreen product labelsĪdditionally, Vitamin D 3 is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to UVB rays from sunlight. Patients should be guided regarding the proper type and use of 2,3 Accordingly, use of sunscreen is important, since UV rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation than their younger counterparts. Importantly, the number of pigment-containing cells in skin, called melanocytes,ĭecreases with age, so that older adults have less protection against Often appear younger than their chronological age. The sun or blocked their skin from sun exposure over their lifetime Unwanted changes are due to chronic sun damage.

While the appearance of a person’s skin changes with age, the most Years, however, is responsible for wrinkled, rough, and blotchy skin. In this regard, patients may find thatīecause some procedures for removal of benign skin growths areĬonsidered cosmetic in nature, they may not be covered by the theirĮlastic, and finely wrinkled with normal aging. Through medical, surgical, or pharmaceutical intervention, or aĬombination of these methods. Rather than tolerate unsightly or physically uncomfortable skinĭiscolorations or growths, many older adults opt to seek medicalĪttention to minimize the appearance of growths or eliminate them

Growths are usually benign, they may be unacceptable to today’s seniors. Process through education, referral for evaluation and treatment, andĬounseling regarding appropriate medication management and follow-up of Proper diagnosis of unusual skin growths should always be madeĭefinitively and without undue delay. Health care imperatives because skin cancers must be treated early and Therefore, skin self-monitoring ( TABLE 1) and skin surveillanceīy a trained clinician are integral components of skin cancer Skin cancer, while generally occurring on skin that hasīeen most exposed to the sun, can in fact develop anywhere on the body. Patient and examined by a clinician if any changes occur. Metastasize-a critical caveat is that they all must be watched by the Invade other tissues and spread to other parts of the body-i.e., However, while most benign skin lesions do not Is unclear, and even though enlargement may occur over time, most Pharmacists increasingly will be approached by patients with questions Ages and the baby boomers surge into the health care marketplace,

Pics of cancerous skin tags