What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Reticulated Black Solar Lentigo
• Reticulated Lentigo
• Reticulated Solar Lentigo

What is Ink Spot Lentigo? (Definition/Background Information)

• Ink Spot Lentigo is an uncommon dark pigmented skin lesion with irregular borders mostly observed on sun-exposed areas of fair-skinned individuals. Even though benign, these skin spots may closely resemble a malignant skin condition called melanoma, and be a cause for concern
• Ink Spot Lentigo is mostly noted in young and middle-aged adults. It is also known as Reticulated Black Solar Lentigo. The skin spots are typically asymptomatic, and no pain or itching sensation is noted
• Ink Spot Lentigo may be treated for cosmetic purposes and this may involve excision or laser therapy. The prognosis of the condition is generally excellent with suitable treatment. The use of sun protection creams and avoiding prolonged sun exposure may help decrease the onset risk of new lesions

Who gets Ink Spot Lentigo? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Ink Spot Lentigo is a rare skin condition in adults with a peak onset noted in the age group 30-40 years
• Both males and females are affected, although more men are affected than women
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic preference observed. However, fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk for the condition than dark-skinned individuals

What are the Risk Factors for Ink Spot Lentigo? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Ink Spot Lentigo may include:

• Chronic sun exposure: Exposure to sun for a long period (usually decades)
• People living in tropical or subtropical geographical regions
• People living at higher altitudes
• Fair-skinned individuals are at a higher risk for Ink Spot Lentigo
• Also, red-haired individuals have a higher risk for Ink Spot Lentigo than blonds or other light-skinned people
• Individuals with a history of sunburns are at an increased risk
• Exposure to artificial ultraviolet light sources

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ink Spot Lentigo? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of development of Ink Spot Lentigo is not well-understood
• Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation may have an important role to play, since most of the skin lesions are observed on sun-exposed regions of the body

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ink Spot Lentigo?

The signs and symptoms of Ink Spot Lentigo may include:

• Presence of a single dark (black or brown) skin spot or macule; multiple skin lesions are not commonly observed
• The skin lesion is flat and highly irregular in shape
• It appears as an “ink spot” on skin with a reticulated (mesh-like) pattern
• The size of the lesion is usually less than 5 mm in dimension
• The skin lesions are predominantly seen on sun-exposed surfaces with most of the lesions observed on one’s chest and back
• It is reported that other skin lesions, such as solar lentigines and actinic keratoses, may be observed within the vicinity of an Ink Spot Lentigo
• There is no pain, itching, or burning sensation observed; also, the lesions are typically non-inflammatory

How is Ink Spot Lentigo Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Ink Spot Lentigo may involve the following exams and procedures:

• Physical examination of the skin (lesion) and medical history evaluation, including history of one’s work/occupation
• Dermoscopy: Dermoscopy is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens. Dermoscopic findings are usually conclusive
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Skin biopsy (may be required in rare cases): A skin tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

A differential diagnosis may be undertaken to rule out other conditions presenting similar features:

• Dysplastic nevus
• Ephelide (freckle)
• Melanoma
• Seborrheic keratosis (flat)
• Solar lentigo

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ink Spot Lentigo?

The possible complications due to Ink Spot Lentigo include:

• Emotional stress due to cosmetic issues
• Irregularly appearing skin spots may be mistaken for melanoma (a form of skin cancer) causing anxiety in the affected individual
• Treatment complications

How is Ink Spot Lentigo Treated?

In many individuals, treatment for Ink Spot Lentigo may not be needed, unless there are cosmetic concerns. The treatment measures available include:

• Lifestyle changes that includes spending less time in the sun
• Application of topical sun protection creams (oil-free sunscreens)
• Use of moisturizing creams for dry skin
• Surgical excision of the lesion
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy)
• Laser surgery or intense pulsed light therapy

Regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider may be recommended.

How can Ink Spot Lentigo be Prevented?

In general, it may not be possible to prevent the development of Ink Spot Lentigo. However, the following measures may be considered to lower one’s risk for the same:

• Avoiding prolonged and chronic exposure to the sun
• If this is unavoidable (like due to an occupational requirement), then taking safety steps to reduce exposure to the UV rays, such as by using sunscreens with high sun-protection factor, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing
• Being aware of the hazards of prolonged sun exposure and taking steps to protect oneself. Modifying one’s profession to stay out of the sun during the period when it is most intense
• Keeping oneself well-hydrated if sun-exposure for prolonged periods is unavoidable

What is the Prognosis of Ink Spot Lentigo? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Ink Spot Lentigo is generally excellent with adequate treatment.

• Even though benign and harmless, in the absence of any treatment, the lesion may persist throughout one’s life
• Ink Spot Lentigo is not an indication that the individual is at a greater risk for skin cancer

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ink Spot Lentigo:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/