Liver spots, also called sun spots, refer to small, flat spots of a relatively dark color on the skin. These mainly form on the area of skin exposed to the sun, such as face, arms and hands. These can have a dark brown, gray, black or brown color. These are harmless, but one can request treatment for cosmetic reasons. Although they are called liver spots, they have no connection or association with the liver. Liver spots in no way mean that there are problems with the normal functioning of the liver. Liver spots are also known by other names, such as age spots and sun lentigines. These are non-cancerous. Skin pigmentation is the result of melanin (a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes) produced by melanocyte cells located in the lower layer of the epidermis of the skin. Age spots are caused by increased production of melanin pigment when exposed to the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation stimulates the formation of melanin pigment. Melanin forms a protective shield to protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays when exposed to the sun. When the skin is repeatedly exposed to excessive sun exposure for long periods of time, excess melanin accumulates or forms clumps to form dark spots called liver spots. Liver spots occur as part of aging, excessive sun exposure over a period of time or due to sunburn. Hereditary factors also play a role in the formation of liver spots. These are often seen in people over 50 years of age. Although they can affect anyone, they are common in people with light-colored skin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause also make women more susceptible to the formation of liver spots. Smoking and tobacco use are also linked to the formation of liver spots. In many cases, liver spots occur without any apparent cause. These spots are flat and circular or oval in shape. The size of liver spots varies from 1 mm to 13 mm. They can form groups. Although any skin area can be affected, the most common skin area is the area exposed to the sun for a period of time, such as the back of the hands, face, upper back, shoulders and upper part of the feet. These do not itch and are not painful.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy can be of great help in treating symptoms of liver spots. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that bring great improvement in these cases without side effects. They help stop the further formation of liver spots and fade the spots already present. The results vary from case to case, depending on the duration and intensity of the complaint. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for cases of liver spots is selected individually based on the characteristic symptoms in each individual case. Therefore, it is advisable to have your case assessed by a homeopathic doctor for the appropriate prescription. Under no circumstances should self-medication be practiced.
Homeopathic medicines for the treatment of liver spots
1. Lycopodium – Highest medicine
Lycopodium is a very effective medicine in the treatment of liver spots. In cases where this is necessary, the spots are colored brown. They are mainly present on the face, neck, arms and chest. Some may also itch. The skin is unhealthy. In general there is dry skin. It may be accompanied by itching. Heat and a burning sensation may appear on the skin when it becomes warm or hot. Stinging pain in different areas of the skin can sometimes occur.
2. Sepia – For brown spots on back, elbow, stomach, chest
Sepia is of great use to treat brownish spots on the skin. In most cases where this is necessary, these occur on the back and elbow, abdomen and chest. In some cases, yellow-brown spots appear on the neck. In general, there may be itching of the skin. When scratching, a burning sensation is felt at the itching site.
3. Thuja – For light brown spots on the face
Thuja is another very useful medicine for treating complaints of liver spots. It works well on light brown spots on the face. The face is red and there is a heated feeling. There may be well-defined redness on the cheeks. The skin on the affected part of the face may peel off when washing. It also helps if brownish spots appear on the chest or abdomen. The skin can itch in various places. It may be accompanied by a feeling as if the skin is being pricked with needles. There is excessive sweating on the exposed parts.
4. Sulfur – For yellow-brown, flat spots on the skin
Sulfur is a highly recommended drug for treating yellow-brown flat spots on the skin. In addition, the skin is rough and flaky. Those who require this medicine often complain of itching of the skin in various parts of the body. The itching keeps shifting from one part to another. The itchy spots become painful after scratching. In addition, a burning sensation may also be felt. In some cases, in addition to the above complaints, the feeling of crawling insects can also be felt on the skin.
5. Nitric acid – To treat brown-colored spots on the face
It is a useful medicine for treating brown colored spots on the face. The face looks pale with redness on the cheeks. There is flaking on the face. In some cases, black pores appear on the face. It is also useful in cases with copper-colored spots on the hands and arms. In general, the skin is dry and itchy due to the scorching heat.
6. Arsenic album – For brown spots on the skin
Another medicine on the list to help cases of liver spots is Arsenic Album. This medicine helps treat brownish spots on the skin. A burning sensation and itching can be felt in various places on the skin. Where this medicine is needed, the skin is dry and rough. In addition to the spots, scales may also be present. The skin looks muddy and unwashed.
7. Borax – For liver spots with peeling skin
Borax is also a good medicine for liver spots. Those who need it have unhealthy skin. In many cases, peeling of the skin occurs. In addition, there is a very prominent sensation of spider web-like structures appearing on the skin of the face and hands.
8. Calcarea carbohydrates – For light brown spots on the face
This medicine is valuable to treat light brown spots on the face. There is a heated feeling on the face. The face looks pale. Excessive sweating is noticed on the face. The skin is generally flaky.
9. Mezereum – For dark-colored spots on chest and arms
Mezereum is an important medicine for treating cases of liver spots on the chest and arms that are very dark. This may be accompanied by peeling of the skin. The skin is rough in places. Itching on the skin may be felt, which worsens in bed. When scratching, the location of the itch changes. Burning also occurs after scratching.
10. Phosphorus – For irregular brown spots on the skin
This medicine is indicated for brownish, irregular spots on the skin. They can be present on a small or large area of skin. They are usually seen on the neck, back, chest and inner arms. These are a little rough to the touch. The skin is dry and flaky.