General Treatments
If left untreated, solar lentigines generally persist indefinitely. Several treatment options are available:
- Cryotherapy and Laser Surgery: These methods can destroy the lesions but may leave temporary or permanent white or dark marks.
- Topical Treatments: Cysteamine cream has been used to treat hyperpigmentation, although bleaching agents like hydroquinone are generally ineffective.
- Preventative Measures: Minimizing sun exposure and using sunscreens from an early age can help prevent the development of solar lentigines.
Specific Treatments
To lighten or remove solar lentigines, various treatments are used:
- Topical Agents: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, hydroquinone bleaching cream, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin C, retinoids, azelaic acid, and cysteamine cream.
- Procedures: Chemical peels, cryotherapy, intense pulsed light, and pigment lasers can permanently remove individual lesions.
