Introduction
Freckles are flat and circular spots that develop due to sun exposure to the skin. These are particularly common in people with fair complexion. Freckles are due to the increased production of a pigment called melanin. It is usually a heavy deposit of melanin over a single spot. They become darker mostly in summers and become faded or lighter during winters. They are natural and harmless. They are commonly seen in young people. Sometimes having freckles may develop an inferiority complex among teenagers. Freckles can be prevented or treated by many methods and treatment options.
What Is Freckle?
Freckle is defined as clusters of pigmented cells present on the skin that are not due to any underlying cause. It usually occurs as a result of sun exposure. They appear as small spots on the skin with colors ranging from red to brown. It is usually less than five millimeters in diameter. However, they are harmless but should be watched for any changes. They are seen in sun-exposed areas such as the neck, face, back, hands, arm, and upper chest. People are not born with freckles, they develop them during their childhood or due to repeated sun exposure.
What Is Melanin Pigment?
Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. The people with a fair or light complexion, the melanocytes make more melanin when the skin is exposed to the sun. The amount of melanin depends upon the genes of the person. The human body tends to make more melanin in the presence of sunlight.
What Is the Cause of Freckles?
There are many possible causes for the occurrence of freckles which are as follows:
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Freckles mostly develop due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
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Freckles occur as a result of the overproduction of melanin.
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Freckles can also occur as a result of genetic predisposition.
Are Freckles Dangerous?
Freckles are rarely associated with any health risk factors. They are usually harmless and non-cancerous. If freckles develop everywhere on the body with susceptible symptoms, then the person should consult the physician if associated with any skin disease.
What Are the Different Types of Freckles?
There are two different types of freckles which are as follows:
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Ephelides: These are usually flat, red, or brown in color. Sunburns or sun exposure are mainly the major causes. People with light hair or skin color are more prone to ephelides. It most commonly occurs in young children. It tends to fade with age. They have an irregular border and are not well-defined in shape, and are one to two millimeters or bigger.
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Solar Lentigines: Are yellow, brown, or red to dark patches of skin. The other name for solar lentigines is actinic lentigines, age spots, or liver spots. They usually develop after the age of 40 years. It usually occurs as a result of repeated sun exposure and does not fade away. The color ranges from light yellow to dark brown. The borders are usually clear and well-defined.
What Are the Characteristic Features of Freckles?
The characteristic features of freckles are as follows:
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They are not symmetrical in shape.
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They usually have jagged borders.
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They appear to be raised above the skin.
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They have dark patches and are present in multiple colors.
What Is the Difference Between Freckles and Moles?
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Moles are darker in color and are not necessarily associated with sun exposure and are common in light skin people, while freckles appear due to sun exposure.
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Mole can be present at the time of birth, while freckles are not present at the time of birth.
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Moles can be associated with skin cancer, while freckles are usually not.
How to Prevent the Development of Freckles?
Freckles are mostly caused due to sun exposure. They can be prevented by reducing or preventing exposure to the sun by following methods such as
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Application of water resistance, broad spectrum, and sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher sunscreen to the sun-exposed areas when traveling outside.
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Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) rays protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and light weighted pants and shirts while outside.
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Ultraviolet (UV) peak hours between 10 am to 4 pm should be avoided.
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Avoiding all forms of tanning.
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Staying indoors and seeking shades when outside.
How to Treat Freckles?
Freckles can be treated in the following ways:
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Acid and Chemical Peels: The product that contains alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, trichloracetic acid, and phenols are used for removing freckles. These products are used to slough off the top layer of skin, and it also stimulates the growth of new cells.
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Retinols or Retinoids: These chemicals work by sloughing the skin and encouraging collagen production.
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Laser: It is the conventional method to remove the top layer of skin.
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Cryotherapy: It is a procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze certain non-cancerous spots. The treated area becomes dark in color and sheds in a few days or weeks.
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Bleaching or Fading Creams: These are products containing kojic acid and hydroquinone that are effective for sun protection.
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Photofacial or Intense Pulsed Light: This is another treatment method to lighten or remove freckles and is a technique done by using intense light sources.
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Home Remedies: Such as lemon, apple cider vinegar, honey, turmeric, aloe vera, almond oil, buttermilk, and cocoa butter can be used for treating freckles.
Conclusion
Freckles are not a sign of health risk and are harmless. They are just pigments developed on the skin, possibly due to repeated sun exposure or genetics. Freckles usually fade away in winter, while they are darker during summer. People with light complexion are more prone to freckles. Freckles are more commonly seen on the face than any other body part. People with freckles should take care of their skin and avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Freckles tend to develop under sun exposure even after proper treatment. It is not a skin disorder but is natural and can be managed by taking care of the skin and using the right product for its protection.
