Causes of Development



One main cause is repeated and prolonged exposure to sunlight. The exposure increases the production of pigment melanin that gets deposited in certain areas of the skin making them look darker but this does not happen to everyone because every person is not equally sensitive to sunlight. Generally, persons with fair complexion are more sensitive to sunlight than dark-skinned persons but this does not mean that all fair-skinned persons are very sensitive or all dark-skinned persons are completely immune to the effects of sunlight. Anyone can develop freckles depending on personal sensitivity whatever be the complexion. There could be other reasons like genetic factors causing uneven distribution of pigment melanin resulting in freckles.

Liver Spots

Some elderly persons may develop darker spots, which are different to freckles but at times may be mistaken for freckles. They are called liver spots but have nothing to do with the liver. It is just a wrong name given to them. While liver spots are generally a function of old age, freckles are not.

Risk Factors

Freckles have a great cosmetic value particularly when they are on the cheeks otherwise they are harmless and pose no danger to general health. At times, however, they might be mistaken for another skin diseases. Therefore, one should have them checked and evaluated by the dermatologist to be sure of what the spots are.

Prevention

Freckles are a fair indication of sensitivity of skin to sunburn and other skin diseases of more serious nature. Those with hereditary tendency should avoid prolonged and/or repeated exposure to direct sunrays. For those whose nature of job does not permit this precaution should use protective sunscreens to reduce the risk.

Treatment

There are plenty of products available in the market which can reduce the pigmentation and lighten or eliminate the freckles but it is always better to consult the dermatologist or skin-care expert before selecting or using a product. Hiding the freckles is not the answer. They must be treated properly.

Freckles can also be effectively and conveniently treated by internal use of homeopathic medicines. Some of the commonly used homeopathic medicines to treat freckles are Graphite, Kali-carb, Lycopodium, Muric-acid, Natrum-carb, Phosphorus, Sepia, Sulphur etc. but you must consult the doctor to choose correct medicine.