Freckle: Freckle removal, get rid of freckles

What are Feckles?

Freckles (Ephelides) are a very common anomaly. They either discrete, grouped or confluent pigmented macules caused by excessive, localized formation of melanin; the size of a freckle, however, varies. It can be anywhere between the size of a pin-head and a split pea (sometimes larger). Freckles occur symmetrically on the exposed parts of the body like the face, neck and forearms; if other parts of the body are exposed, as for instance in sunbathing or when sleeveless cloths are worn, they may also be affected. White people, blondes, red-heads and people with delicate, fair skins are prone to freckles. Hence dark-skinned people like Indians and Africans rarely develop freckles.

Freckles are tanned macules found on the skin. They are usually multiple in number. With sun exposure, they become more apparent; therefore, in the winter months, they are often imperceptible. Although freckles are predominantly benign, they may be seen in association with systemic disease.

Freckles considered cute by some, they are a real problem for others. Freckles, also known as, ephelides, are small brown or tan patches common in individuals with lighter skin, blond or red hair. They appear early in life, increase in number during summer months and fade in winter.

Individuals who are genetically susceptible may have somatic mutations in epidermal melanocytes that promote increased melanogenesis. Melanocytes are not increased in number, and they may even be decreased in number. With UV-A and UV-B exposure, the dopa reaction is increased, leading to the production of larger melanosomes, which produce the clinical picture.

Freckles removal - Treatment of Freckles is not necessary.

• If a patient wishes to alter the cosmetic appearance, then sun avoidance and makeup can be used.
• Sunscreens may be used to prevent enhancement of the freckling caused by sun exposure.
• If desired, chemical peels, cryotherapy, and laser treatment have all been attempted to make ephelides less pronounced.

What are the Causes of Freckles?

• Environmental: In individuals who are susceptible, sunlight exposure to both UV-A and UV-B radiation induces freckles by stimulating melanocytes to produce melanin.
• Genetic: Freckles tend to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Ephelides are most common in individuals with fair skin and/or with blond or red hair.
• Xeroderma pigmentosum: Freckles are prominent and even dark in heterozygous carriers with this autosomal recessive disease. Excessive freckling in dark-haired individuals suggests the possibility of this disease.

Complications associated with Freckles

Freckles may be cosmetically unappealing, but they are not associated with any complications. However, recent studies have shown that individuals with skin types susceptible to freckles are at greater risk for developing skin cancers. This association is simply because freckles and skin cancers are more common in people who are regularly exposed to the sun and have skin types I and II than in other people.

Freckles - How to get rid of Freckle, Freckle Laser Removal, Freckle Remover

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