Definition:

Freckles are flat, circular small spots of melanin on human skin in people of fair complexion. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight. They may vary in color - they may be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black. They are usually more often seen in the summer, especially among lighter-skinned people and people with light or red hair. Both men and women get freckles at an equal rate.

There are two basic types of freckles - ephelides and lentigines. Ephelides, are flat red or light-brown spots that typically appear during the sunny months and fade in the winter. Lentigines, are small tan, brown, or black spots which tend to be darker than an ephelis-type freckle and which do not fade in the winter.

Freckles are most commonly found on the face , although they may appear on any skin exposed to the sun . Freckles are rare on infants , and are very common among children aged 5 to 15 years. They are usually less common on adults.

Causes of Freckle: Some Common Causes of Freckle are as:-

*Exposure of skin to sun is one of the main cause of developing freckles. Freckles will fade when sun exposure is reduced or eliminated.

*The basic cause of freckles are some special cells in the skin that produce a pigment called melanin. If you have melanin in your body, going on accumulating at one place, then it may result in freckles age spots.

*Freckles are influenced by genetic factor also.

*Hormone Abnormalities can cause freckles since estrogen over-stimulates pigment-producing cells, causing them to generate excess color when exposed to sunlight.

*Fair skin is another main cause for freckle. There is less overall melanin in fair skin to absorb UV light, therefore pigment cells produce melanin at an increased rate.

Symptoms of Freckles:

Some of the Possible Symptoms of Freckles are as:-

*There may be change in the skin color and shape.

*Diarrhea is another common symptom which is accompanied with freckles.

*There may be crampy abdominal pain and/or weight loss.

*The skin cancer may be a possible symptom of freckles.

*Moles are often produced at the affected area of skin.

*There may be blood or mucus in the stool.


Treatments of Freckles:

The effective treatments for freckles are as:-

1.Bleaching Creams - The use of hydroquinone and kojic acid are one of the beneficial treatment for freckles. They may help in lightning freckles if they are applied consistently over a period of months.

2.Cryosurgery: A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles.

3.Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are used to remove age spots, freckles, discoloration, wrinkles and fine lines. They generally help to make the skin smooth and firm and also help in curing freckles gradually.

4.Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL): IPL is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. IPL delivers energy to both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of the skin, the epidermis is spared from damage. Thus, there is virtually no recovery time.

5.Tretinoin: Tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A) also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time.

6.Laser Treatment: Freckle removal is easily achieved with lasers. The laser light is very effective and helps in eliminating freckles safely.

You may also be interested in . . .
- Beauty tips
- Does antiwrinkle cream make significant difference in the skin's appearance ??
- HEALTH regulation over cosmetics products
- Awareness of cosmetics products
- Precaution for makeup /cosmetics
- Sunburn increases melanoma/ skin cancers risk
- Indoor toxins may cause many ailments
- Check into the risk of cosmetic procedure; even non surgical
- Plastic surgery , Is it safe?
- Plasma skin regeneration tool: a quick, effective, non-surgical method against wrinkle

"Freckles - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"   User Opinions

Maia :   I have freckles on my face and i think its one of my best features.

Kelly :   I agree with Frankie! I have a lot of freckles and don't think they detract from peoples natural beauty. I have often been told from other people how much they suit me and my husband says they are "cute". I get sick of people in the media and others saying they are unattractive - I have never found them to be a turn off to the opposite and accept them as part of who I am.

Amanda :   I heard that lemon juice can also cure freckles. Is this true?

Christie :   This is article was fine until I read the symptoms of freckles. Diarrhea, weight loss, cramping, blood in the stools, moles??? I think this was signs of skin cancer not freckles.

Nemo :   I have Genet freckles on my nose and cheeks, I am handsome by body and face shape but due to freckles on my face I really cant face people, please please please someone give me tip to remove these freckles as i cant afford expensive treatments.These frackes look like blackish,, covering my whole nose, and cheeks... regards Nemo PK

Ashley :   i have been suffering icthy skin recently and a freckle on my arm has turned into a small black spot with a red sore around it, it is quite small, i never use sunbeds and always wear a high factor of sun cream when on hoilday, i have extremely fair skin, should i go to the doctor?

sasha :   I really liked it and it hepled me on a report that i had to do

Jen :   I began getting "freckles" in the last few years but they are only on my arms and upper thighs. I am not one to spend time in the sun tanning and I have been wearing capris during the summers so I am at a loss to why this is happening. I think I'm losing some minerals or nutrients as I get older that is causing this problem but I'm not sure what they are and how to correct it. Any ideas anyone?

Rich :   Scheusler's Cell Salt "kali sulph" (potassium sulphate) will correct the liver disfunction to allow unsaturated fats to be safely processed in the liver instead of roaming the bloodstream as radicals looking for trouble. Just like linseed oil used to make oil paint, it turns brown on exposure to light and oxygen. It is these polyunsaturated fats not fully controlled by liver lacking potassium sulphate that are being eliminated by the skin when they turn brown and harden by exposure to sun. They are being eliminated through the skin everywhere, but become brown spots with sun. They fade by action of skin's enzymes and normalization of proper levels of kali sulph.

sarah :   i learned a lot. it's very detailed. i think my shock can relate to kelsey's reaction, however. honestly, i have had freckles most of my life and im healthy. maybe you could clear that up a bit. and i didn't know all those options for treatment/removal

Share you opinion about   "Freckles - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"

Your name :
Your Opinion: