Liver Spots: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Liver Spots?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually checks and treats liver spots. A dermatologist can tell you if a spot is a liver spot or something more serious, such as skin cancer. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are liver spots?
Liver spots are flat, brown or black spots that can appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.
Doctors also call them aging spots, age spots, or solar lentigos. They are very common, especially after age 50. They are most often not a cause for worry.
Symptoms
A liver spot is a patch of skin color change that is flat, light brown to black, and painless. The spots are often oval and can be tan, brown, or black.
They show up on skin that has had the most sun over the years. Common places are the backs of the hands, the tops of the feet, the face, the shoulders, and the upper back.
A new or unusual spot should be checked, because skin cancers can look different from one another. Spots or sores linked to skin cancer can be:
- Small, shiny, or waxy.
- Scaly and rough.
- Firm and red.
- Crusty or bleeding.
Causes and who gets it
Liver spots are skin color changes that happen in older skin. The color may come from aging, sun exposure, or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light. Sometimes the cause is not known.
They most often form where the skin has had the most sun. They usually develop in people with fair skin, but people with darker skin can get them too.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider usually diagnoses liver spots by how the skin looks, especially in people over 40 with a lot of sun exposure. You may need a skin biopsy, a test on a small piece of skin, to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy also checks for melanoma, a skin cancer, if a spot looks irregular or unusual.
Other spots that become more common with age include seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer. A dermatologist can examine your skin and tell you if any spots could be skin cancer.
Treatment
Most of the time, liver spots need no treatment. You can ask your provider about lightening them if you want to.
Most bleaching products use hydroquinone, which is thought to be safe in the form used to lighten dark skin. But hydroquinone can cause blisters or skin reactions in sensitive people.
Other options include freezing (cryotherapy), laser treatment, and intense pulsed light. The American Academy of Dermatology says creams and lotions need to be used once or twice a day for weeks or months to show results. Procedures such as laser therapy and chemical peels tend to work faster, but they cost more and have a higher risk of side effects.
After freezing, you may have pain, a blister, or temporary redness and swelling. Permanent side effects can include darkening of the spot, lighter skin around it, or a scar. Lasers can cause crusting or temporary darkening of the spots.
See a board-certified dermatologist before using a cream, because treating a skin cancer as an age spot can give the cancer time to grow and possibly spread. Age spots can return, so protect your skin from the sun after treatment.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you develop any new symptoms, especially changes in the appearance of a liver spot. Also tell your provider about any new or unusual spot, and have it checked. Contact your provider if you want your liver spots removed.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at a skin spot, track changes over time, and refer you to a dermatologist for a skin exam or treatment.
Common questions
Do liver spots mean I have liver disease?
No, liver spots do not mean you have liver disease. They have nothing to do with the liver or liver function.
Are liver spots dangerous?
No, liver spots are not dangerous to your health. But what looks like an age spot could be skin cancer, so see a board-certified dermatologist for a skin exam before treating it.
Can liver spots be removed?
Sometimes. You may be able to fade them, and in some cases they can be removed. Options include creams, freezing, laser treatment, and intense pulsed light.
Can liver spots come back after treatment?
Yes, age spots can return. Protecting your skin from the sun can help prevent this.
Can liver spots be prevented?
Protecting your skin from the sun is the prevention step doctors recommend. Cover your skin with hats, long sleeves, or long pants, and try to avoid midday sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it often.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Liver spots
- MedlinePlus - Aging spots - should you be concerned?
- American Academy of Dermatology - What can get rid of age spots?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
