Freckles are not as often an eyesore as some of the other skin markings we have looked at. They are simply macules that have tanned, on the skin. If you have freckles, you will normally have multiple ones. They can become more easily apparent if you spend time in the sun, so in the winter months, they are much less noticeable. Freckles are benign as a rule, but they can sometimes be seen with system disorders.



Symptoms/Types

Freckles tend to be flat and circular in appearance. They are normally about the side of a nail head. They can develop in random areas of the skin, but are most often seen on shoulders, arms, nose and cheeks.

Freckles can have slight variances in color, from blackish to brown, and tan, yellow or reddish. They are usually simply a bit darker than the skin they appear on. Freckles are caused by more dark pigment or melanin in the skin. The term “freckle” comes from the term “frecken”, a Middle English word.

People who are most prone to freckles may have abnormalities in their skin layer, and sun will increase your reaction, if you have the tendency. Freckles can be found worldwide in all different nationalities. You will find them more often in individuals who live in temperate climates, and more on fair-skinned people than on people of color. Men and women are equally likely to have freckles. They usually appear when a child is about two years of age and become more pronounced into adulthood. As people get older, they will tend to decrease.

Freckles usually appear first during childhood as scattered areas with more pigmentation, generally in areas above the waist. They will be more common on sun-exposed areas, and can appear smaller in the winter. Freckles seem to be genetic, and are a dominant trait. If you have blond or red hair and fair skin, you are more likely to have freckles.

Freckles come in two different forms - simple and sunburn types. Sunburn freckles are usually a bit darker than simple freckles, and may be a bit larger, with borders that are more jagged in appearance.

The medical terminology for a freckle is “ephelis”, from the Greek word that refers to tan, flat skin spots.

Some sunburn and other darker freckles are referred to as “lentigines”, a word that is derived from the Latin term for lentil. These freckles don't fade as much, if at all, in the winter. They can be part of a rather rare genetic syndrome, but usually they are unremarkable spots.

You can find freckles in folded skin areas of individuals who suffer from neurofibromatosis. This is an autosomal dominant condition.

Your physician doesn't need lab studies to diagnose freckles, or imaging studies. On rare occasions, a biopsy may be performed if your doctor suspects other reasons for your freckles, of if he or she suspects that the markings are something other than freckles.

Treatments:

Freckles don't require any medical treatment. If you wish to hide or cover your freckles, you can avoid time in the sun, and you can use makeup if you wish to cover them. Sunscreens will help the sun's enhancement of exposure to the sun. If you positively wish to be rid of freckles, you can use laser treatments, cryotherapy and chemical peels to make them less easily seen.

Some people are fond of their freckles, but others may be bothered more by the appearance of the little spots. Some people would prefer a clearer skin look, and may request that freckles be removed or faded. But for other people, freckles are like an original feature that they are fond of, that makes them unique and special, and sets them apart from others.