Freckles

Freckles

Flat, beige, brown circular spots that typically are the size of the head of a common nail is called Freckles. The spots are multiple and may develop on sun-exposed skin after repeated exposure to sunlight. These are particularly common in people with red hair and a fair complexion.

Causes: Inheritance and sun exposure. Light-colored eyes, blond or red hair, and fair skin are especially susceptible to the damaging effect of UV rays and likely to develop freckles. Treatment: Freckles are rarely treated. Frequently, multiple or a combination of treatments may be required for best results.

• Bleaching or fading creams: Products containing hydroquinone and kojic acid can be purchased with and without a prescription. Higher concentrations of hydroquinone (over 2%) require a prescription.
• Retinoids: Sometimes used in conjunction with other bleaching creams, tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin) also may help lighten freckles when applied consistently over a period of several months.
• Cryosurgery: A light freeze with liquid nitrogen in the physician's office can be used to treat some types of freckles. Not all spots respond to this form of therapy.
• Laser treatment: Multiple types of lasers may help lighten and decrease the appearance of freckles safely and effectively. This is a safe and simple procedure with a high success rate and a low risk of scarring or skin discoloration.
• Photofacials or Intense Pulsed Light treatments are another method to lighten and remove freckles. This is not a true laser technique but an intense light source.
• Chemical peels can also help lighten freckles and improve irregular pigmentation.

Freckles, spots, sunlight, exposure, red hair, fair complexion.