Lentigo is the name given to round-to-oval, yellow-brown spots, 5–10mm across, caused by melanocyte activity. There are several types of lentigo. They're seen more often with age and sun exposure, particularly in fair-skinned individuals. They often appear after the skin peels following acute sunburn. Sun spots don't turn into cancer. Their treatment is carried out for aesthetic purposes. Treatment can involve pigment lasers, light treatments such as IPL/BBL, cryotherapy and peels.
Solar lentigo (actinic lentigo): The type seen on sun-exposed areas such as the face, chest, shoulders and backs of the hands.
Lentigo simplex: Harmless lentigos, single or multiple, that begin in childhood.
Senile lentigo: The type seen in older adults.
Lentiginous syndromes: There are various syndromes, such as Peutz-Jeghers, LEOPARD and LAMB syndrome, accompanied by widespread lentigos.
Lentigo maligna: A lesion, often settling on the face, that shows signs of cancer.
Lentigo maligna is considered a slow-progressing, early form of melanoma. Its appearance can be confused with solar lentigo. Dermatoscopy is used for differential diagnosis.