What is the technical term for liver spots?

The technical term for liver spots is chloasma. Chloasma refers specifically to the localized hyperpigmentation that often appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin, particularly on the face and hands, which can resemble the spots commonly referred to as liver spots.

Chloasma is commonly associated with factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and aging, leading to the increased production of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This makes it particularly relevant in discussions regarding pigmentation changes, especially in esthetics.

The other terms have distinct meanings: keratosis pertains to a thickening of the outer layer of the skin; melasma is often used interchangeably with chloasma but can refer more broadly to pigmentation issues, particularly in women; and dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, which is not related to the pigmentation issues represented by liver spots. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the correct terminology when discussing skin conditions in esthetic practice.