Lentigo (Lentiginosis)

Small circumscribed melanoses resembling, but differing histologically from, freckles. The concept includes senile lentigo ('liver spots') and nevoid lentigo (nevus spilus, lentigo simplex) and may also occur in association with multiple congenital defects or congenital syndromes (e.g., Peutz-Jeghers syndrome).

Also Known As:

Networked: 483 relevant articles (77 outcomes, 64 trials/studies)

Relationship Network

Disease Context: Research Results

Related Diseases

1.	Hyperpigmentation
2.	Melanosis (Freckles)
3.	Actinic Keratosis
4.	Seborrheic Keratosis
5.	Psoriasis (Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris)

Experts

1.	Imokawa, Genji: 7 articles (07/2019 - 04/2004)
2.	Chang, Sung Eun: 5 articles (02/2021 - 01/2015)
3.	Kang, Hee Young: 5 articles (01/2018 - 01/2009)
4.	Ortonne, Jean-Paul: 5 articles (12/2011 - 05/2006)
5.	Stratakis, Constantine A: 4 articles (11/2022 - 04/2007)
6.	Vachiramon, Vasanop: 4 articles (10/2022 - 04/2016)
7.	Passeron, T: 4 articles (07/2020 - 11/2012)
8.	Zouboulis, C C: 4 articles (07/2020 - 07/2000)
9.	Chan, Henry H: 4 articles (12/2011 - 07/2002)
10.	Kawada, Akira: 4 articles (11/2011 - 06/2002)

Drugs and Biologics

Drugs and Important Biological Agents (IBA) related to Lentigo:

1.	Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid)FDA LinkGeneric 03/01/2000 - "The 4HA/tretinoin combination was clinically superior to each of its active components and to the vehicle in the treatment of solar lentigines. " 01/01/2005 - "Treatment with tretinoin resulted in significantly greater improvement relative to placebo in clinical signs of photodamage (fine and coarse wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, lentigines, and sallowness), overall photodamage severity, and investigator's global assessment of clinical response (p<0.05). " 01/01/1993 - "Tretinoin-treated forearms showed significantly greater improvement in roughness, mottled hyperpigmentation, fine wrinkling, and lentigines at 24 and 48 weeks. " 03/01/2022 - "With regard to efficacy, all studies consistently reported that topical tretinoin was efficacious in improving clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines as early as 1 month and lasted after 24 months. " 01/01/2017 - "Clinical study of a retinoic acid-loaded microneedle patch for seborrheic keratosis or senile lentigo."
2.	hydroquinone (Esoterica)FDA Link 01/01/2017 - "Hydroquinone (HQ) is one of the most frequently used and effective skin-lightening products to treat skin hyperpigmentation disorders, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and solar lentigines. " 09/01/2003 - "A 2% hydroquinone-cyclodextrin formulation proved to be effective in lightening actinic lentigines. " 09/01/2003 - "Thirty Asian adults applied a 2% hydroquinone-cyclodextrin formulation once daily on solar lentigines of a forearm for 2 months. " 09/01/2003 - "To assess sensitive and objective methods predicting the effects of a 2% hydroquinone-cyclodextrin formulation on solar lentigines. " 09/01/2003 - "Analytic quantification of solar lentigines lightening by a 2% hydroquinone-cyclodextrin formulation."
3.	SolutionsIBA 03/01/2000 - "Subjects applied the test solution with a wand applicator twice daily to all solar lentigines and related hyperpigmented lesions on the face, forearms, and backs of hands for up to 24 weeks. " 11/01/1996 - "Topical treatment of lentigines using a commercial peeling solution leads to moderate or severe irritation and is ineffective." 03/01/2008 - "Cryotherapy was more likely to produce substantial lightening of the solar lentigines than TCA 33% solution (P = 0.025) but more painful and took more time to heal. " 10/01/2003 - "Cryosurgery was found to be superior to TCA 30% solution in the treatment of solar lentigines. " 10/01/2003 - "Cryosurgery was more likely to produce significant lightening of the lentigines than 30% TCA solution (P < 0.05) but was more painful and took longer to heal. "
4.	mequinolFDA Link 03/01/2000 - "The combination of 2% 4-hydroxyanisole (Mequinol) and 0.01% tretinoin is effective in improving the appearance of solar lentigines and related hyperpigmented lesions in two double-blind multicenter clinical studies." 09/01/2006 - "This study therefore supports the theory that topical mequinol 2%/tretinoin 0.01% is an effective and safe treatment of solar lentigines in ethnic populations, and in those with dark skin types." 09/01/2006 - "The combination of 2% 4-hydroxyanisole (mequinol) and 0.01% tretinoin effectively improves the appearance of solar lentigines in ethnic groups." 11/01/2004 - "In conclusion, the mequinol 2%/tretinoin 0.01% solution is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for solar lentigines and related hyperpigmented lesions, being superior to HQ 3% for lesions on the forearm and of similar efficacy for lesions on the face." 09/01/2006 - "The purpose of this open-label study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mequinol 2%/tretinoin 0.01% solution in the treatment of solar lentigines in Asian, Latin/Hispanic, and African American ethnic groups with skin types II-V. Subjects were required to have >or= 10 solar lentigines on the dorsal forearms/hands and >or= 3 on the face. "
5.	tazarotene (Tazorac)FDA Link 04/01/2004 - "At week 24, when compared to vehicle, tazarotene resulted in a significantly greater incidence of patients achieving treatment success (over 50 percent greater improvement) and at least a 1 grade improvement in fine wrinkling, mottled pigmentation, pore size, lentigines, elastosis, irregular depigmentation, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkling and overall integrated assessment of photodamage. " 11/01/2002 - "Compared with the vehicle, at week 24 tazarotene resulted in a significantly greater incidence of patients achieving treatment success (>or=50% global improvement) and at least a 1-grade improvement in fine wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, lentigines, elastosis, pore size, irregular depigmentation, tactile roughness, coarse wrinkling, and the overall integrated assessment of photodamage (P<.01). " 02/01/2005 - "Tazarotene cream was significantly more effective than vehicle in reducing fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, lentigines, irregular depigmentation, apparent pore size, elastosis, tactile roughness, and an overall integrated assessment of photodamage. " 01/01/2014 - "Tazarotene cream 0.1% (TAZ) is a United States Food and Drug Administration-approved drug indicated for use in the mitigation of facial fine wrinkling, facial mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation, and benign facial lentigines when taken in conjunction with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance program. " 03/01/2013 - "Tazarotene is also used as adjunctive treatment for specified clinical manifestations of chronically photodamaged skin (facial fine wrinkling, mottled facial hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation, and benign facial lentigines), along with comprehensive skin care and photoprotection from sunlight. "
6.	Melanins (Melanin)IBA 11/01/2019 - "Secondary end-points included degree of improvement in lentigines at 12 weeks after final treatment, assessed by subject (Subject's Global Assessment), and change in mean relative Melanin index (MI) value at 3 months after final treatment as compared to baseline as assessed by mexameter measurement. " 05/01/2023 - "Lentigines are well-defined, small, brown macules resulting from the accumulation of melanin content in the basement membrane zone with an increase in the number of melanocytes. " 12/01/2022 - "Solar lentigo (SL) is a hyperpigmented macule that occurs in sun-exposed areas and is characterized by the accumulation of melanin pigment in the epidermis. " 12/01/2022 - "Melanin accumulation in dermal stem cells deteriorates their exosome-mediated skin basement membrane construction in solar lentigo." 10/18/2021 - "Histopathological research revealed melanin pigment increase based on lentigo (benign)."
7.	Adapalene (Differin)FDA LinkGeneric 07/01/2003 - "After 1 month of treatment, the patients who received adapalene had significant lightening of solar lentigines as compared with the patients who were treated with vehicle gel (P <.05). " 06/01/2018 - "Adapalene has been previously evaluated as a treatment for actinic keratosis (AK) and solar lentigines and shown to improve signs of photoaging. " 07/01/2003 - "Adapalene gel 0.1% and 0.3% were well tolerated and improved actinic keratoses, solar lentigines, and other features of photodamaged skin." 07/01/2003 - "We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of adapalene gel in the treatment of actinic keratoses and solar lentigines. " 07/01/2003 - "In a prospective, 2-center, randomized, controlled, investigator-masked, parallel-group study, 90 patients with actinic keratoses and solar lentigines were treated daily with either adapalene gel (0.1% or 0.3%) or its vehicle gel for 4 weeks, followed by twice-daily applications, if tolerated, for up to 9 months. "
8.	Trichloroacetic AcidIBA 01/01/2020 - "Cryopeeling versus trichloroacetic acid peeling in the treatment of solar lentigines: Effect on epidermal Langerhans cells." 03/01/1999 - "However, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an alternative for treating lentigines that costs much less. " 12/01/2022 - "Q-switched frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (532 nm) laser versus trichloroacetic acid 35% peeling in the treatment of dorsal hand solar lentigo: An assessor-blind split-hand randomized controlled trial." 05/01/2011 - "Treatment of solar lentigines with trichloroacetic acid 40% vs. cryotherapy." 03/01/2008 - "Efficacy and safety of cryotherapy vs. trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of solar lentigo."
9.	glycolic acid (glycolate)IBA 11/01/1996 - "A peeling fluid containing glycolic acid designed to treat lentigines was evaluated comparatively. " 11/01/1996 - "Q-switched ruby laser application is safe and effective for the management of actinic lentigo (topical glycolic acid is not)." 01/01/2007 - "This is a controlled, prospective study to compare the efficacy of a focal medium-depth chemical peel regimen using 70% glycolic acid and 35% TCA with cryosurgery, in the treatment of solar lentigines of the hands. " 03/01/1993 - "To discuss the techniques using glycolic acid to remove actinic keratoses, fine wrinkles, lentigines, melasma, and seborrheic keratoses. " 01/01/2003 - "Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid (GA) and lactic acid (LA) have been reported to be effective in treating pigmentary lesions such as melasma, solar lentigines, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. "
10.	Sunscreening Agents (Sunscreens)IBA 01/01/1995 - "Acquired persistent atypical lentigines as a failure of 5-methoxypsoralen-containing sunscreens in the photochemoprotection from ultraviolet-radiation-induced damage." 03/01/2019 - "A randomized, uncontrolled and investigator-blinded, single-center study enrolled adult men and women (18-45 years) with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV (28° < individual typological angle <10°) and V (10° < individual typological angle < -30°) with pigmentary abnormalities seen on the face in adults (actinic lentigines and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation), who did not use sunscreens. " 08/11/2022 - "The presence of actinic damage, in the form of solar lentigines, actinic keratoses, and basal and squamous cell carcinomas, was recorded in both groups, together with sunscreen use. " 04/01/2003 - "The purpose of this open-label study was to determine the adverse event rate of topical 4HA/tretinoin when used twice daily for up to 24 weeks with concomitant sunscreen in the treatment of solar lentigines and related hyperpigmented lesions. " 04/01/2012 - "A series of eight case studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel treatment regimen combining one in-office superficial chemical peel procedure followed by a 12-week topical maintenance program consisting of micro-entrapped 4% hydroquinone, tri-retinol, and sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30+. Patients presented with Fitzpatrick skin types II and III and mild-to-moderate solar lentigines and/or melasma on their facial skin. "

Therapies and Procedures

1.	Lasers (Laser) 01/01/2006 - "The recent development of short-pulsed, pigment-specific lasers has enabled physicians to selectively destroy the pigment within the solar lentigo lesions with significant clinical improvement, low risk of adverse effects, and high patient acceptance. " 02/01/2020 - "Both 532 nm PS laser and QSND laser were effective for the treatment of solar lentigines, but the PS laser was more effective with less PIH development." 03/01/2013 - "Quality-switched (QS) lasers are well-known effective treatment for removing solar lentigines. " 11/01/1995 - "Pulsed laser can be effective in the treatment of naevus of Ota, some cafe au lait macules, lentigines and junctional naevi. " 12/01/2018 - "Q-switched KTP 532-nm nanosecond laser and KTP 532-nm picosecond laser are safe and effective for treating solar lentigines in Asians. "
2.	Solid-State Lasers 01/01/2019 - "Laugier-Hunziker syndrome: complete clearance of mucosal lentigines with a single session of Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser." 12/01/2007 - "A long-pulse alexandrite laser is effective in clearing solar lentigines in a single pass with minimal adverse effects." 11/01/2019 - "This study demonstrates that using picosecond Nd:YAG laser 532 nm for removal of solar lentigines in darker skin type appears to be safe and effective. " 01/01/2020 - "Er:YAG laser treatment may be an effective and safe optional modality for solar lentigines." 08/01/2017 - "Repetitive low fluence 1,064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser treatment may be an effective and safe optional modality for senile lentigo."
3.	Therapeutics 06/01/1994 - "This study demonstrates that comparative rather than uncontrolled studies are needed to judge the relative efficacy of therapies for benign pigmented lesions such as lentigines." 05/01/2014 - "Although our study results show that both combined therapy and QSNY alone are capable of reducing pigmentation, QSNY alone is considered to have more favorable qualities than combined treatment for light solar lentigines in Asians." 01/01/2023 - "Therapy for lentigines are generally aimed at tackling aesthetic disfigurement and its subsequent psychological impacts. " 09/01/2018 - "Combining these therapies successfully removed solar lentigines and achieved normalized and rejuvenated treated skin." 04/01/2008 - "These results indicated that IPL therapy using Lumenis One may be useful to treat solar lentigines and ephelides on the face."
4.	Cryotherapy (Therapy, Cold) 01/01/2011 - "PDL with compression is superior to cryotherapy in the treatment of solar lentigines in darker skin types." 03/01/2008 - "The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy compared with TCA 33% on solar lentigines of the back of the hands (SLBH) in patients presenting to dermatologic clinic of our hospital. " 01/01/2015 - "Triple combination as adjuvant to cryotherapy in the treatment of solar lentigines: investigator-blinded, randomized clinical trial." 01/01/2011 - "PDL was more likely to produce substantial lightening of the solar lentigines than cryotherapy, especially in skin type III and IV (n = 8, n = 9; P < 0.05), but might be no difference in type II (n = 5; P > 0.05). " 07/01/2004 - "Cryotherapy may be used in the management of the lentigines; however, because of the extent of lesions this was impractical in our case."
5.	Gas Lasers 04/01/2016 - "Further studies are needed to obtain the proper parameter and the treatment frequency of fractional CO2 laser in solar lentigines." 01/01/2006 - "A 64-year-old woman with a clinically diagnosed 'lentigo simplex' on her right cheek was dermatologically treated several times with a CO2 laser. " 12/01/1991 - "We report a successful outcome in the treatment of these lentigines with the carbon dioxide laser." 12/01/1991 - "Treatment of Peutz-Jeghers lentigines with the carbon dioxide laser." 08/01/1988 - "Low-fluence carbon dioxide laser irradiation of lentigines."