Freckles are tiny spots on the skin in colours ranging from red to dark brown. This pigmentation is usually visible in areas with greater exposure to sunlight. The face, neck, back, shoulders, hands, arms, etc., can have freckles. While these are harmless and don’t cause pain, some spots may turn into skin problems. 

People with light skin and blond or red hair are more prone to freckles. However, anyone can get these skin spots in the summer (or otherwise). Freckles will have dark brown spots if you have a darker skin tone. Though people in their early ages and 20s get more freckles, older people may also see them appearing on their skin. 

Freckles are classified into two types – 

• Solar Lentigines

Also called age spots or liver spots, solar lentigines are common in people over 40. They can appear anywhere on the body and don’t fade with time. These freckles have clear borders and range in colour from yellow to dark brown. Repeated sun exposure is the main reason for this. 

• Ephelides

Ephelides are genetic and may appear in children as young as a year old if they are exposed to the sun. These freckles appear on the face, arms, neck, and chest and are darker in shade (red to tan to dark brown). They can appear, disappear, and reappear on the skin, depending on weather conditions, sun exposure, etc. They have irregular borders and are not clearly defined. 

Freckles and sunspots are pretty harmless as long as they don’t change in size, colour, or texture. However, the following test can help determine if your spots need medical attention. 

ABCDEs of Melanoma

• A for Asymmetry – draw a line through the middle of the lesion to check if both halves match.
• B for Border – see if the borders of the spots look uneven.
• C for Colour – a change of colour is a warning sign.
• D for Diameter – the spots are easier to treat with smaller ones; consult a doctor if they have a diameter larger than 6 mm.
• E for Evolving – observe how the spots are changing over time; the more the changes, the greater the risk.

An easy way to avoid freckles is to prevent the skin’s direct exposure to sunlight. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ (or higher) and reuse it whenever necessary throughout the day. Use sunscreen even in winter.

• Don’t use tanning beds. 
• Don’t go out in the hot sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Freckles are not dangerous, though it is better to get them examined by a doctor to be on the safe side. 

To avail of the benefits, book an appointment at our advanced skin clinic, Mehektagul Dermaclinic for effective freckles treatments. Get a consultation with our senior dermatologist to get rid of your freckles and have healthy, glowing skin.