lentigo senilis

Last reviewed 01/2018

Lentigo senilis is a type of benign, epidermal pigmented skin lesion. It occurs in sun-damaged skin of the middle-aged and elderly. They are tan to dark brown macules which are typically uniform in colour. Typically, there size is less than 1cm and they can have slightly irregular border shape.

Sites of lesions are commonly those of sun exposure and typically include the head, neck, upper trunk and arms.

Histologically, there is an increase in the number of melanocytes and their amount of pigmentation.

Generally, they do not require treatment but if there is a clinical concern that they might be malignant, excision biopsy is warranted. Treatment for unaesthetic appearance can include surgery, cryotherapy, topical retinoids and hydroxyquinone cream.