Freckles are small flat brown spots that appear on sun-exposed skin, generally on the face and arms. Freckles become darker with greater sun exposure as some are more susceptible to obtaining freckles than others. Those with fair skin are much more likely to have several freckles, whereas those with darker skin do not have nearly as many. Ultraviolet rays from the sun activate pigment producing skin cells (melanocytes) which produce pigment (melanin). That increased amount of melanin results in dark or brown spots on the skin. Freckles come in different colors such as red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown or black – but they are always darker than the skin around them due to deposits of the dark pigment called melanin. The best treatment for freckles is prevention. The key to preventing freckles is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use.
Freckles usually appear first during childhood as scattered areas with more pigmentation, generally in areas above the waist. They will be more common on sun-exposed areas, and can appear smaller in the winter. Freckles seem to be genetic, and are a dominant trait. If you have blond or red hair and fair skin, you are more likely to have freckles.
Causes of Freckles Read more…
