Freckles Diagnosis and Treatment

Freckles are not harmful or the sign of a health problem. Freckles are small, flat, pigmented spots on your skin. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight and particularly in persons of fair complexion. Freckles and age spots, classified as symptoms of photoaging, are commonly found on the face and hands, or any other part of the body that has been overexposed to the sun. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight and particularly in persons of fair complexion. Freckles vary in color they may be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black -- but they are always darker than the skin around them since they are due to deposits of the dark pigment called melanin.

Freckles are among the many signs of photoaging. Photoaging occurs when excessive sun exposure speeds the skin's natural aging process. Sunlight also causes freckles already present to become darker. Dark skin that appears during pregnancy or while on birth control pills is called melasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Sun exposure makes these patches and spots even darker. Sun exposure is also powerful enough to change certain skin cells into dangerous skin cancers, leading physicians to recommend protective sunscreen and clothing. These actions can also help slow the appearance of both freckles and age spots. People with the fairest skin often do not produce enough melanin, and so freckles are present after puberty and into adulthood.

Some people's freckles fade away almost completely in the winter and return in the summer. Freckles rarely develop into skin cancer. However, freckles are especially common in people with light skin, and having light skin that burns easily increases your risk of skin cancer. The best treatment for freckles is prevention. The key to preventing freckles is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. Cryosurgery -- A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles. Tretinoin Sometimes used in conjunction with other bleaching creams, tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A) also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time. Several lasers, especially ones that produce a green light, can lighten and eliminate freckles safely and effectively.

Freckles Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Sun avoidance is best home treatment to reduce freckles.

2. Tretinoin also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time.

3. Cryosurgery -- A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles.

4. Several lasers treament is safely and effectively.

5. Use daily sunscreen use.

Juliet Cohen writes health articles for skin diseases and skin disorders.

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