Why do they call them liver spots?

I used to get really anxious about skin changes, so I understand wanting to know more. It's a common misconception that they're related to your liver. They're actually sun spots or age spots, caused by years of sun exposure. So, more about sunscreen than liver health, thankfully!

It's just an old name, actually. They have nothing to do with your liver. They're basically sun damage or age spots. But speaking generally, if you ever see a new spot on your skin that's changing or looks weird, always get it checked by a doctor. Don't ignore skin changes, lessons learned from my own past.

They are called liver spots, but they are not related to the liver. They are caused by sun exposure over time. It is a common misconception.

Oh, I always wondered about this! I saw some on my Dadi's hands and genuinely thought it meant something was wrong with her liver. So they're just sun damage? Has anyone else gotten confused by the name and worried it meant a health issue?

Yeah, the name 'liver spots' is a bit of an old-fashioned misnomer. Scientifically, they are called solar lentigines. They're essentially pigment spots on the skin caused by UV radiation from sun exposure, accumulating over years. Zero connection to your liver, just a skin thing. Good sunscreen is the best prevention!