Freckles

Small flat spots that develops mostly on the nose and cheeks are called freckles. These skin marks can also appear on the shoulder and arms. Exposure to sunlight seems to be the main cause behind the appearance of these marks.

The freckles are usually a shade darker than the normal skin tone, which distinguishes them as separate marks. However, exposure to sunlight leads to the darkening of these spots.

Causes of freckles

Excess generation of the melanin, a skin pigment, is the main reason for the appearance of freckled spots. Genes too play an important part in the development of freckles. It is mostly observed in fair skinned individuals, so your descent does have a hand in the appearance of these spots.

The ultraviolet rays of the sun stimulates the production of melanin, resulting in pigmented spots on the exposed areas. The effect of the rays of the sun, however is not same for two persons.

Freckle types

Sunburn freckles (lentigo) and simple freckles (ephelis) are the two classification of this skin condition. Sun burn freckles are a darker version of the simple freckles. They are also characterized by slightly rough edges. The sun burn freckles mostly appear on the shoulders and the upper back region.

Prevention of freckles

Protecting the skin from the harsh rays of the sun is the best method for avoiding freckles. Using sunblocks, sun shades and wearing sun protective attire are some tips to avoiding the ultra violet radiation. It is also suggested that you avoid going out between 10:30 am – 4 pm, when the intensity of the sun's rays are highest.

Treatment for freckles

There are various ways of lightening the pigmentation marks. Applying ointments or going in for other modern methods of treatment effectively removes the marks. Some of the treatment methods are listed below:

• Cryosurgery
• Applying bleaching creams
• Laser treatment
• Chemical peels
• Retinoids
• Intense pulsed light treatment/photofacials