Sun freckles are small, flat, tan, red, light brown, or dark brown spots that appear on sun-exposed areas of your skin. They are very common and generally harmless.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Appearance: Sun freckles (also known as ephelides) are typically small (1-2 mm in diameter), flat, and round or oval in shape.
- Color: They can range in color from light tan to dark brown, and their color often darkens with sun exposure.
- Location: Freckles most commonly appear on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands.
- Cause: Sun freckles are caused by an increase in melanin production in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color.
- Who gets them?: Freckles are most common in people with fair skin and light hair.
- Health implications: Freckles themselves are not a health risk. However, their presence indicates sun sensitivity and a higher risk of sun damage and skin cancer. It's crucial to practice sun safety if you have freckles.
- Prevention: The best way to prevent freckles is to protect your skin from the sun by:
- Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Wearing protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves.
- Seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours.
In summary, sun freckles are small, pigmented spots on sun-exposed skin resulting from increased melanin production. They are generally harmless but indicate increased sun sensitivity and the need for sun protection.
