Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > Freckles: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Freckles: Types, Causes, and Treatment

January 13, 2021 - Updated on August 18, 2021
4 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Types of Freckles
  • Causes of Freckles
  • Treatment for Freckles
  • Diagnosing Freckles
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

Freckles refer to brown, flat, round spots that appear on the skin. They may indicate skin damage caused by sun exposure and therefore are commonly seen on the areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face and arms.

treating freckles

Freckles are usually harmless and vary greatly in size. People of younger age with fair complexion or regular sun exposure are highly prone to developing freckles. (1)

Types of Freckles

types of freckles

Freckles are categorized into the following two types:

1. Ephelides

These freckles are generally less than 3 mm in diameter and are more common among fair-skinned people. They are inheritable and usually appear in childhood, especially in red-haired children. (2)

Advertisements

Ephelides start fading as the person ages. They are more visible in summer and can fade or disappear in winter.

2. Lentigines

These freckles are uniform-edged, flat, brown lesions that commonly appear in fair-skinned people.

Lentigines can also be seen in sun-exposed areas, dark-skinned people, and those who tan easily. (3) These freckles generally appear after the age of 40 and vary greatly in size.

Causes of Freckles

The development of freckles chiefly depends on genetic predisposition and sun exposure.

Melanin, a pigment produced by melanocyte cells in the skin, prevents sun damage by reflecting and absorbing the UV rays emitted by sunlight or tanning booths. However, some melanocytes may produce more melanin in response to sun exposure, leading to the development of freckles.

Fair-skinned people have lower melanin content in the skin and are thus more prone to freckles and even sunburn. Similarly, freckles are common in people with blonde or red hair and light-colored eyes.

Advertisements

Treatment for Freckles

treatment options for freckles

Since the freckles that develop naturally fade with age or the seasons, they do not require treatment, especially because they are harmless. However, if you are bothered by the freckles on your face or skin, you may consult your doctor for the following treatments:

  • Bleaching or fading creams: A topical bleaching or fading cream made with kojic acid or 2% hydroquinone can help lighten freckles over time. (4)
  • Retinoids: These topical creams are useful for treating freckles in conjunction with bleaching creams, adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene. These may show results after several months of application.
  • Cryosurgery: This involves the use of liquid nitrogen to treat freckles. However, it only works for some kinds of freckles.
  • Laser treatments: While expensive, laser treatments are highly effective for the treatment of freckles. (5) These work by killing the melanocytes in the skin epidermis.
  • Photofacials or intense pulsed light treatments: These treatments use intense light sources to help fade and remove freckles.
  • Chemical peels: These are another popular method for managing hyperpigmentation and giving the skin an even tone. (6)

Diagnosing Freckles

diagnosis of freckles

Since freckles are rarely a medical concern, you only need to consult a doctor for determining the cause of the freckles if they are:

  • Asymmetrical
  • Uneven or bumpy bordered
  • Different colors
  • Bigger than ¼ inch in diameter
  • Changing in size, color, shape, or elevation over time

The doctor will observe the freckles closely and may order a skin biopsy if required.

When to See a Doctor

Some types of skin cancers may cause the development of freckle-like spots on the skin. Therefore, you must consult a doctor if the freckles appear suddenly or change in physical features.

Moreover, you must consult a doctor if a freckle bleeds, itches, grows, is raised like a mole, or is different from the freckles surrounding it.

What you may ask your doctor
  • Did the freckles appear all of a sudden?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?
  • Do you protect your skin from sun exposure?
  • Does anyone in your family have or had freckles or skin cancer?
What your doctor may ask you
  • What treatments can help fade the spots?
  • Are freckles a symptom of skin cancer?
  • What changes should I notice in my skin?
  • What at-home treatments can help manage the freckles better?

Final Word

Freckles appear as different pigmented spots on the skin, which are generally harmless. Regardless, to be cautious, it is suggested to visit a dermatologist to check whether you should worry about them.

Advertisements

Since freckles are not a medical concern, they do not require treatment. However, you can consult your doctor for different treatment methods that can help lighten the freckles if you are bothered by their appearance.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingHome Remedies for Freckles and Self-Care Tips
References
  1. Mradula PR, Sacchidanand S. A Split-face Comparative Study of 70% Trichloroacetic Acid and 80% Phenol Spot Peel in the Treatment of Freckles. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560166/. Published October 2012.
  2. E; PCSRAS. Sun-induced freckling: ephelides and solar lentigines. Pigment cell & melanoma research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24517859/.
  3. Bastiaens M; Hoefnagel J; Westendorp R; Vermeer BJ; Bouwes Bavinck JN; Solar lentigines are strongly related to sun exposure in contrast to ephelides. Pigment cell research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15140067/.
  4. Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921758/. Published July 2010.
  5. Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE. Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clinical case reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132099/. Published August 9, 2018.
  6. Nikalji N, Godse K, Sakhiya J, Patil S, Nadkarni N. Complications of medium depth and deep chemical peels. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560165/. Published October 2012.
  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.