Visit Doctors
Visit
Visit
Call Doctors
Call
Call
Ask Doctors
Ask
Ask
Feed
Home
25 years
I have a lot of freckles on my body that increase whenever I'm exposed to the sun. Is this serious and is there anything I can do to stop it?
Jun 10, 2013
2nd opinion

Dr. Rania Mousa General Medicine
Freckles are due to an increase in the amount of dark pigment called melanin,They tend to become darker and more apparent after sun exposure and lighten in the winter months although some people have them all the time.
Causes of freckles include genetics and exposure to the sun.
Usually freckles are almost always harmless, there is no need to treat them.
If you feel that your freckles are a problem or you don't like the way they look, you can cover them up with makeup or consider certain types of treatments:
Cryosurgery (freezing it off)
Laser surgery
Creams that are applied to the skin but doesn't permanently remove them These include retinoids and bleaching agents.
The best way to prevent to prevent them is :
-stay out of the sun as much as possible, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m
-Use a sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher. This is especially important because people who freckle easily (for example, lighter-skinned people) are more likely to develop skin cancer.
-wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Avoid using tanning beds.
IMPORTANT:The vast majority of moles are not dangerous. The only moles that are of medical concern are those that look different than other existing moles or those that first appear after age 30. If you notice changes in a mole's color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist (skin doctor) evaluate it. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, or become tender or painful.
Examine your skin with a mirror or ask someone to help you. Pay special attention to areas of the skin that are often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, arms, chest, neck, face, and ears.
If a mole does not change over time, there is little reason for concern. If you see any signs of change in an existing mole, if you have a new mole, or if you want a mole to be removed for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dermatologist.
 • 
Thank
Book
Disclaimer