Freckle: Encyclopedia - Freckle

Freckle

Freckles are small brownish spots of melanin on the skin of people with fair complexion.

Predisposition to freckles is genetic and is related to the presence of the melanocortin-1 receptor MC1R gene variant. 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 have light skin.

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. Many freckles fade with age.

See also

• Beauty mark
• Mole (skin marking)

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Freckle", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki