What are Freckles?
Contents
Freckles
Found in the size of matchstick heads, freckles do not cause a change in skin texture. They are flat circular spots which are usually tan or light brown in colour. While freckles are an extremely common type of hyperpigmentation, they are more often seen among people with a lighter skin tone.
Where do they appear?
Unlike other types of hyperpigmentation, freckles may develop randomly on the skin especially on areas that are repeatedly exposed to the sun.
Causes
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Genetics: Freckles usually occur to one when he/she is young; it may even start appearing as early as one reaches two years old. With age, its appearance may become increasingly obvious. Though freckles removal is not necessary since it is not cancerous, freckles can make one look older than he/she is.
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Overexposure to sun: In a tropical country like Singapore, freckles can easily become a concern if one does not practice adequate sun protection. Long-term exposure to the UV rays from the sun can cause the surfacing of new freckles and the darkening of existing ones. Therefore, the best prevention is to make sure that you are applying an adequate amount of sunblock regularly.