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Ophthalmology81 papers

Solar lentigo

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Solar lentigo is a benign, hyperpigmented skin lesion commonly observed in aging individuals, resulting from chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. It differs from other pigmented lesions through specific histopathological features involving UV-induced pigmentation mechanisms 2.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Macular, hyperpigmented lesions, typically on sun-exposed areas 2.
  • Histopathology: Characterized by increased melanin deposition in the basal layer of the epidermis 2.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Excludes other pigmented lesions like melasma, seborrheic keratoses, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2.
  • Diagnostic Imaging: Not typically required but may use dermoscopy for detailed visualization 2.
  • Management

  • Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoidance of peak sun hours 2.
  • Topical Treatments: Hydroquinone, retinoids, and corticosteroids may be used to lighten pigmentation, though efficacy varies 2.
  • Chemical Peels: Superficial peels with glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid can be considered for localized lesions 2.
  • Laser Therapy: Selective methods like Q-switched lasers for melanin targeting can be effective but require caution to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Elderly: Increased prevalence due to cumulative UV exposure 2.
  • Pediatrics: Less common but sun protection education is crucial to prevent early onset 2.
  • Comorbidities: No specific management changes noted, but general skin health considerations apply 2.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Primary Prevention: Emphasize sun protection measures including sunscreen use and protective clothing to prevent solar lentigo development (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Diagnosis: Confirm diagnosis through clinical examination and consider dermoscopy for detailed assessment (Evidence: Moderate 2).
  • Treatment Approach: Utilize a combination of sun protection and topical therapies, with laser therapy reserved for refractory cases (Evidence: Expert opinion 2).
  • References

    1 Redmayne J, Lam L. Solar maculopathy and dissociative symptoms: a case report on a patient on buprenorphine opioid replacement therapy. The New Zealand medical journal 2022. link 2 Goorochurn R, Viennet C, Granger C, Fanian F, Varin-Blank N, Roy CL et al.. Biological processes in solar lentigo: insights brought by experimental models. Experimental dermatology 2016. link 3 Rocha Cabrera P, Cordovés Dorta L, González Hernández M. Bilateral solar retinopathy. Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography. Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia 2016. link 4 Chen VL, Fleischmajer R, Schwartz E, Palaia M, Timpl R. Immunochemistry of elastotic material in sun-damaged skin. The Journal of investigative dermatology 1986. link 5 Latenser BA, Hempstead RW. Exercise-associated solar purpura in an atypical location. Cutis 1985. link 6 Ravits M, Armstrong RB, Harber LC. Solar urticaria. Clinical features and wavelength dependence. Archives of dermatology 1982. link 7 Kapoor S. Familial anterior and posterior lenticonus. Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde 1979. link 8 Seland JH. The nature of capsular inclusions in lenticular chalcosis. Report of a case. Acta ophthalmologica 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      Biological processes in solar lentigo: insights brought by experimental models.Goorochurn R, Viennet C, Granger C, Fanian F, Varin-Blank N, Roy CL et al. Experimental dermatology (2016)
    3. [3]
      Bilateral solar retinopathy. Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography.Rocha Cabrera P, Cordovés Dorta L, González Hernández M Archivos de la Sociedad Espanola de Oftalmologia (2016)
    4. [4]
      Immunochemistry of elastotic material in sun-damaged skin.Chen VL, Fleischmajer R, Schwartz E, Palaia M, Timpl R The Journal of investigative dermatology (1986)
    5. [5]
      Exercise-associated solar purpura in an atypical location.Latenser BA, Hempstead RW Cutis (1985)
    6. [6]
      Solar urticaria. Clinical features and wavelength dependence.Ravits M, Armstrong RB, Harber LC Archives of dermatology (1982)
    7. [7]
      Familial anterior and posterior lenticonus.Kapoor S Ophthalmologica. Journal international d'ophtalmologie. International journal of ophthalmology. Zeitschrift fur Augenheilkunde (1979)
    8. [8]

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