Freckle Pigmentation

Freckles come in many colors.

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Freckles are flat areas of the skin that are darker in pigment than other areas of the skin. They come in a variety of colors like brown, tan and red. Unlike birthmarks, these spots do not occur at birth, but rather, they develop over time.

Related Searches: Who Gets Freckles

People of all skin tones can develop freckles. However, people of lighter skin tones or with red hair tend to develop them most frequently, according to the Medscape Reference website.

Causes

Freckles develop over the course of life. They usually appear in areas that have direct exposure to the sun. When the skin is exposed to UV-A and UV-B rays, the cells sometimes are triggered to produce more melanin, which causes skin pigmentation, then causes the freckles.

Health Concerns of Freckles

Normal freckles do not pose any health concerns, however there are things that people with freckles should be aware of. For one, freckles are linked to some congenital disorders, such as Leopard syndrome, according to the "Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases." There are other serious conditions that manifest themselves with this disorder. Since freckles are caused by sun exposure, people with freckles may have a higher risk of skin cancer. This is not due to the freckles but to the sun exposure that causes both of these conditions. Freckles also can mask skin cancers. If you notice a spot that is changing in size, shape or color, assume it is not a freckle. You should have the spot checked by a doctor to determine its health risk.

Preventing & Removing Freckles

The easiest way to prevent freckles is to avoid sun contact. Ways to do this include wearing sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Because some people freckle easily, they cannot be completely prevented. If unwanted freckles develop, you can remove them with lasers, creams or citric acid. Future sun exposure can cause removed freckles to reappear.

ReferencesRiverside Nurse: Freckles and Moles: What's the Difference?Medscape Reference: Ephelides (Freckles)Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases: Leopard SyndromePhoto Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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