Three Myths To Understand About Liver Spots

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The emergence of liver spots on various areas of your body, including your face and hands, might initially be a concern to you. This can especially be true if you've heard friends or family members sharing some worries about this skin condition. It's important to know that the average person's commentary on many health issues, including liver spots, isn't always well informed. The messages that they share, in some cases, may actually be myths. It's useful to understand some common myths about liver spots, and you shouldn't hesitate to book an appointment with a dermatologist to learn more. Here are three prevalent myths.

Myth: Indicative Of Liver Problems

Their name leads many people to believe that liver spots are a warning sign that something is wrong with the liver. For example, if you hear this type of message, you might feel upset because you think you could have liver disease or something else serious with this important organ. It's important to realize that there is no connection between liver spots and problems with your liver. These spots emerge as a result of sun damage to your skin, and aren't a warning sign of a serious illness.

Myth: Connection To Cancer

You might occasionally hear that liver spots can turn into skin cancer, which can certainly be an alarming message to get. However, this message is actually a myth. Liver spots and skin cancer are not the same thing, so if you believe that you have a liver spot, you shouldn't panic and believe that you could soon develop skin cancer. However, certain skin cancers can look somewhat like liver spots to the average person, so it's always useful to have a dermatologist inspect any new marks on your body.

Myth: They're Unavoidable

So many people develop liver spots as they age that it's a common belief that this skin condition is unavoidable. This, too, is a myth. Because liver spots are a result of long-term exposure to the sun, it's possible to lessen your likelihood of developing these markings by preventing too much sun exposure. You can achieve this goal through a variety of methods, including staying indoors during the sunniest part of the day, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and choosing a high-quality sunscreen. Your dermatologist can give you a variety of useful tips for reducing your risk of developing liver spots as you age.

For more information on dermatology, contact a professional near you.

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