Lentigo

Lentigo (lat. lentigo) are benign pigment spots on the skin of a round or oval shape ranging in size from 2-3 mm to 1-1.5 cm. They have clear boundaries and a smooth surface. Lentigo varies in color from light brown to dark brown or black.

Lentigo occurs as a result of a local increase in the number of melanocytes (pigment cells) in the epidermis. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but the development of the disease may be influenced by genetic predisposition, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, and taking certain medications.

There are several types of lentigo:

1. Freckled lentigines are multiple small spots on exposed skin that appear under the influence of sunlight.

2. Senile lentigo is single large spots that appear after 50 years on the face, hands, and forearms.

3. Lentigo in the mucous membranes (for example, in the mouth) is a rare manifestation.

4. Lentigo with neurofibromatosis.

Lentigines do not require treatment unless they are cosmetically disturbing or complicated by inflammation. For removal, cryodestruction, laser, and chemical peels are used. In some cases, surgical excision of the spots is performed. In case of severe lentigo, it is recommended to protect the skin from the sun to prevent the appearance of new pigment spots.

Lentigo is one of the most common types of age spots, which are yellowish or brownish spots on the skin. Lentigines usually appear on the neck, forehead, nose, and other exposed skin areas.

The reasons for the appearance of lentigo on the skin are not fully understood. However, it is believed that hereditary predisposition, excess ultraviolet radiation and the effects of hormonal changes on the skin play an important role in the development of this disease. Lentigines can appear even in childhood, but they usually grow and darken with age. Some lentigines have multiple lesions and may resemble sunburn, which may