Freckle
| Freckle | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Dermatology  |
Freckles are small brownish spots of melanin on skin in people of fair complexion.
Predisposition to freckles is genetic and is related to the presence of the Celtic gene. Freckling is caused by the same process as that which produces sun tanning, although the distribution of melanin is uneven. Most people who have freckles usually have light skin. Freckles originally began in Nordic people for having the fairest skin and formed to protect their skin from the sun. Freckles are a dominant trait which later spread across Europe and the British Isles to redheads and brunettes.
Freckles are predominantly found on the face, although they may appear on any skin exposed to the sun. They are rare on infants, but more common on children aged 5 to 12 than on adults.
Creams or laser treatment may be used to remove freckles, but they will reappear on exposure to the sun. Freckles themselves are not a sign of skin disorder, but people with a predisposition to freckles may be especially susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer, and should therefore take extra care to protect themselves in the sun. Freckles can form on the cheeks of small children to protect their skin from the sun until puberty produces enough melanin in their skin. Most freckles fade with age unless genetic.
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