a consequence of skin ageing caused by the sun.  They often appear after the age of 50, on the back of the hands and on the face. The pill or pregnancy can also make small or large dark brown spots appear on the forehead and cheeks brought out by the sun. This is melasma. People should also be aware that wearing perfume in the summer can stain the skin.

A dermatological examination is required. I often use cryotherapy (when it is not sunny) for actinic lentigo (back of the hands and face). Whereas a flash lamp can provide a global treatment for pigmented skin, pigment lasers (Q-switched ND yag, alexandrite) are also very effective. Treating melasma, where the pigmentation is often deep, is more difficult.

The treated areas can then remain whiter for a few weeks. The disappearance is quicker with lasers, and there is no risk of a white spot remaining.  The important thing to prevent them from coming back is systematic protection from the sun with a hat and a high factor sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays.