Are These 'Liver Spots'?

[BoonToong]

Hi folks.

About 6 months ago I noticed these spots on my lower legs. I want to see a Doctor but want to make sure I choose the right specialist so that I don't waste money.

So, does this look like a dermatological condition or a symptom of something else? Any personal experiences and/or professional opinions greatly appreciated.

Some background:

• 50 years old
  
• BMI= 30 (But I am 'stocky' as well as 'fat')
  
• Ex-smoker until 3 years ago
  
• Hypertension previously diagnosed (10 years ago) but BP now in healthy range using Ramipril and Amlodipine
  
• Severe Hyperlipidemia TC= 279, TG = 307 (from blood test 4 weeks ago)
  
• CRP elevated= 2.3
  
• The spots are on both legs, equal distribution, starts just below the calf
  
• I don't exercise much (but did a lot years ago when I was in the military)
  
• Ankles swell slightly sometimes (usually after a heavy night's drinking)
  
• No pain
  
• Blood test 4 weeks ago showed normal sugar levels (no diabetes) and normal liver function
  
• I don't exercise much at all
  

Thank you in advance folks.

Edited March 16, 2012 by BoonToong

[Sheryl]

I can't really tell from the photos but they are probably either lentigines ("liver spots" or "age spots" or seborrheic keratoses. If the latter they will be very slightly raised and a bit waxy in texture. Neither are dangerous, if you want them removed for cosmetic reasons laser or liquid nitrogen will do it (but do see a doctor to confirm that this is what they are, as a proper diagnosis cannot be made from a photo alone).

Related to sun exposure, probably you wear shorts outdoors hence the be,ow the knee distribution. Though i'd expect you to also have soem on your arms.

[BoonToong]

I can't really tell from the photos but they are probably either lentigines ("liver spots" or "age spots" or seborrheic keratoses. If the latter they will be very slightly raised and a bit waxy in texture. Neither are dangerous, if you want them removed for cosmetic reasons laser or liquid nitrogen will do it (but do see a doctor to confirm that this is what they are, as a proper diagnosis cannot be made from a photo alone).

Related to sun exposure, probably you wear shorts outdoors hence the be,ow the knee distribution. Though i'd expect you to also have soem on your arms.

Thank you Sheryl.

What kind of specialist do you think I should see? Dermatologist or something else?

I don't think they are seborrheic keratoses as they are not as you described.

My daughter is a trainee nurse and thinks they are caused by poor circulation.

I don't need to have them removed; I lost most of my hair and, therefore, my vanity, when I was in my 20's

Thank you again

Edited March 16, 2012 by BoonToong

[Sheryl]

Dermatologist but needs to be one familiar with western skin conditions i.e. one who has worked in a western country.

From the picture it does not look like the effects of poor circulation, that would be more of a mottling whereas these look brown which is typical of lentigines. (lentigines are very rare to non-existant in Thais.) but again I'm just going by a photo which is not as good as actually seeing it.

[BoonToong]

Thank you again Sheryl.

I will now ask the forum for help finding a good western-skin experienced dermatologist!

I will post the results.

Thank you again; much appreciated.

[Sheryl]

Where do you live? In Bangkok I recommend Dr Parichart at St Louis.

[BoonToong]

Where do you live? In Bangkok I recommend Dr Parichart at St Louis.

Yes, in BKK.

Oh! Thank you. Saved me some time. Just off to Malaysia but will make an appointment when I get back.

[BoonToong]

Saw Dr Parichart at St Louis today and she told me not to worry.

She told me what it was but I forgot the name!!! LOL

Anyway, she said it was purely cosmetic and was due to small capillaries bursting close to the surface of the skin. The red blood cells naturally disappeared but iron left behind 'rusted' which I found quite humerous. She said it might go away, might not, or might even get a fresh batch. Either way I don't mind as it's not indicating anything more serious.

Thank you again for you help Sheryl.