What do freckles mean

The more significant difference between moles and freckles is that freckles rarely develop into skin cancer. The overproduction of melanin, which causes freckles to appear, often only changes the skin on a surface level. On the other hand, more serious growths like moles can be symptomatic of cancer or another disease. Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser should be checked for cancer.

Freckles and moles are two different types of skin growths. Freckles occur as a result of sun exposure or genetics, whereas moles appear after skin cells develop into a cluster instead of spreading out into the skin. Freckles are rarely harmful and usually require no medical treatment. Moles on the other hand, are known to develop into cancerous growths. Here are some signs that you should get your mole checked for skin cancer:.

Worried that your mole might be signaling something serious? At Walk-in Dermatology, we can help. Walk-in Dermatology Management, LLC shall, in no way, determine or set the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or healthcare provided at, by, or through any medical center, or by any of its professionals.

Patient Delight! Freckles are simply skin cells that form melanin, or melanocytes, that have either appeared, or darkened, due to sun exposure. Melanin is a pigment, or color, that helps protect skin from exposure to the sun by reflecting or absorbing harmful ultraviolet rays. But, melanocytes are distributed throughout your skin and the melanin they produce is the natural pigment that gives your skin its color.

Moles, or nevi the medical term , usually look like a type of growth on the skin, and are just as common as freckles. Often, moles appear as small, dark brown spots. They are caused when melanocytes grow in clusters or clumps. Moles are usually a bit darker than freckles, and deeper in the dermis, or deeper in the skin. Moles can be brown, tan, black and even red, blue or pink.

Oval or round in shape, they feel smooth or wrinkled and can be flat or raised. They can also have hair growing from them! Generally moles appear during childhood or adolescence, and most people have between 10 and 45 moles by the time they are 40 years old.

Some may fade, or even disappear, with age. Freckles and moles have two things in common: there is a genetic tendency to get them, and both are darker than the surrounding skin.

However, there is one big difference. While freckles are more widespread on people with light-colored hair and skin, age spots develop on people with a wider range of complexions. Moles are usually present from birth, but people can develop them throughout childhood and teenage years. Moles are generally darker than freckles and can be flat or raised off the skin. Protecting the skin from sunlight will not reduce the appearance of existing freckles, but it can prevent new freckles from forming.

However, if people want to remove or lighten freckles for cosmetic reasons, some treatments can reduce their appearance. A study showed that products containing trichloroacetic acid TCA and phenol are effective in lightening freckles. A variety of topical creams and spot peels contain these compounds. People can also opt for medical procedures to remove dark spots for cosmetic reasons. These include laser therapy and chemical peels.

All of these treatments can cause side effects, such as scarring. Anyone considering treatments for freckles should discuss all their options with a doctor.

Some people find that certain natural products can lighten their freckles, although these methods are not scientifically proven. Using these natural products on your skin is unlikely to cause any side effects, but it is best to do a patch test on a small area of skin first.

If it causes any skin irritation, stop using the product. Freckles are harmless, but they can sometimes look similar to some types of skin cancer. If people notice any changes in their skin, they should see a doctor, who will be able to check the skin for anything unusual. People who have fair skin that freckles or burns easily may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

They should, therefore, take extra care when going out in the sun. Look for:. If people have a spot on the skin that matches one or more of the above signs, they should see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Freckles are harmless marks on the skin caused by genetics and exposure to sunlight. If people have freckles, they will need to take extra care of their skin in the sun.