Freckles are flat, brown, or beige spots that form due to clusters of pigmented cells in the skin. They are typically harmless and always darker than the surrounding skin.
Types of Freckles:
1. Ephelides - These freckles fade during the winter months.
2. Lentigo - Unlike ephelides, these freckles persist even without sun exposure.
Signs of Freckles:
Smooth texture without bumps.
A cluster of flat, light brown spots.
Freckles are commonly seen in children, and their likelihood depends on skin type.
Causes of Freckles:
The two primary causes are sun exposure and genetics. Freckles develop due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. They typically appear after frequent sun exposure around the age of 2-3 and may fade over time. Freckles are especially common in individuals with red hair and fair skin.
While freckles are generally harmless, unusually shaped or changing pigmented spots could be a warning sign of skin cancer. If you notice such changes, consult a dermatologist.
Preventive Measures:
Use sunscreen with SPF 40 or 50 and reapply every two hours of sun exposure.
Avoid peak sun hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Wear hats or use umbrellas when outdoors.
Consume foods rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy skin.
Treatment Options:
Freckles often fade naturally over time, but if you want to minimize their appearance, a dermatologist may suggest:
Laser Treatment - Laser energy is used to stimulate skin healing and reduce freckles.
Cryosurgery - Applies liquid nitrogen to targeted areas, reducing pigmentation.
Chemical Peels - Exfoliating peels with trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid encourage new skin generation.
Fading/Bleaching Creams - Products containing hydroquinone suppress melanin production, lightening the skin.
These treatments may have side effects depending on your skin type and medical history. Therefore, prevention is always the best approach.
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