Do you have these little spots on your skin? Let's talk about freckles!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed those little brown spots on your face or hands? You probably see them more when you go out in the sun. Many people call these ' freckles '. What exactly are these? Are they dangerous? Shall we talk about this in detail today? Today you will get answers to many of the questions you have in mind.

What are freckles? How do they form?

Simply put, freckles are small, flat spots that appear on our skin, especially in areas exposed to the sun (think your face, hands, neck, upper chest). They can be yellow, light brown, dark brown, and sometimes even red. They are most common during the summer.

These are caused by a pigment called 'melanin' in our skin. Melanin is what gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes. This melanin is produced by cells called 'melanocytes' in our skin. When we go out in the sun, these melanocytes produce more melanin to protect our skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays (Ultraviolet light - UV) . So, instead of getting sunburned, some people's skin accumulates melanin in one place and appears as spots.

Especially for those with fair skin and blond or red hair. Freckles are more likely to appear. However, anyone can get them, and they appear darker brown in people with darker skin. The most important thing is that freckles are not a health threat .

Did you know there are two types of scars?

Yes, there are two main types of blemishes. Let's see what they are.

1. Ephelides

These are what we often think of when we hear the word 'spots'.

• These are flat, reddish, or light brown in color.
• Mainly sun exposure and These are caused by sunburns .
• It is most commonly seen on the face, hands, neck, and upper chest.
• These are more common in people with light skin and light hair. They are most common among white people and people of Asian descent.
• These usually start to appear when you go out in the sun from a young age , It continues to develop even during youth .
• But the good thing is that these 'Ephelides' type of spots can gradually diminish as we age.

2. Solar Lentigines

These are also called 'Actinic Lentigines', 'Liver Spots' or 'Age Spots' .

• These can range from yellow , red, brown to dark spots.
• These are usually seen most often in people over the age of 40. That's why they're also called 'age spots'.
• The main cause is repeated exposure to the sun over a long period of time .
• These develop in sun -exposed areas such as the face, backs of the hands, chest, back, shoulders, and lower legs.

Simply put, 'Ephelides' are spots that appear during childhood, increase due to sun exposure, and may decrease with age. 'Solar Lentigines' are spots that appear during adulthood due to age and prolonged exposure to the sun.

What causes spots and scars?

Let's now look at the main causes of these spots and scars.

• UV radiation: The main cause is UV rays from the sun.
• Genetics: Yes, some genes have been found to influence the development of freckles. This means that if someone in your family (mother, father, siblings) has freckles, you are more likely to get them too.
• Xeroderma Pigmentosum: This is a very rare condition. What happens is that the skin becomes overly sensitive to ultraviolet rays. So, they are more likely to get things like spots and blemishes.

Do I need to treat my scars?

In fact , most of the time, freckles are harmless . Therefore, there is no need to treat them. However, as with other skin blemishes, it is best to avoid the sun as much as possible and use sunscreen every day. This is especially important if you are someone who gets freckles easily or if you do not want to develop more spots.

Is there any way I can reduce these spots?

If you don't like the look of these spots, there are some ways to reduce their color. But remember, you may not be able to get rid of them completely .

• Acid and chemical peels: You can use products that contain things like Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Trichloroacetic Acid, Glycolic Acid, or Phenol. These help to remove the top layer of skin and reveal new skin.
• Retinoids, Retinols: These chemicals cause skin cells to shed and bring new cells to the surface. They also stimulate the production of collagen in the skin.
• Laser treatments: Lasers are used to remove the top layer of skin.
• Cryotherapy: This uses liquid nitrogen to treat non-cancerous conditions such as age spots and actinic keratosis. The treated areas may darken slightly and fade within a few days.

However, before doing any of these things, it is wise to talk to your dermatologist and choose the treatment that is best for you.

Can you prevent the formation of scars?

Yes, it's very possible! Since the sun is the main cause of freckles, the best thing to do is to protect your skin from the sun.

• Always apply sunscreen: Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 or higher to all exposed areas of your skin. Apply daily, even on cloudy days and in the winter. Reapply every two hours, or if you sweat or swim.
• Wear protective clothing: When going outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that protect against UV rays, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. For extra protection, choose clothing labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).
• Avoid peak hours: The sun is usually at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm . Minimize your time outside during these hours.
• Don't tan your skin artificially: If you want a tanned look, try using a spray-on tanning product.

What is the difference between freckles, birthmarks (moles) and melanoma?

This is a very important point because sometimes these things can get confused.

• Moles: These can appear anywhere on the body. They come in many shapes and sizes. They are usually larger than freckles. They can be pink, light brown, blue, black, or even the same color as your skin. Some are flat, while others are slightly raised. Most are benign (non-cancerous) . However, some moles can grow larger, change color, or change shape over time. Some can even become cancerous.
• Melanoma: This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer . It grows very quickly and can spread to any part of the body. Most melanomas are black or brown. But some can be pink, red, purple, or skin-colored. About 30% of melanomas develop from pre-existing moles. The rest develop on normal skin. That's why it's important to be aware of changes in your skin.

How to check yourself for skin tags? (ABCDE rule)

According to the American Cancer Society and the American Academy of Dermatology, this ABCDE rule is very useful for assessing your skin blemishes.

• A - Asymmetry: This means that if you mentally draw a line through the middle of the spot, the two sides will not be the same.
• B - Border: The border of the mole is irregular, blurred, jagged, or uneven.
• C - Color: The color of the mole is not uniform. It may be a mixture of colors such as black, brown, and light brown, and may have patches of red, white, blue, or pink.
• D - Diameter: The width of the spot is about 1/4 inch (about the size of a pencil eraser) or more.
• E - Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time.

If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately.

Also, be aware that some spots may not behave this way. Other risk factors include:

• A new spot, or a spot that looks different from your other spots.
• A wound that won't heal.
• Redness or swelling beyond the edge of the spot.
• The color of the spot spreads to the surrounding skin.
• The spot is now itchy, painful, or painful to touch.
• The surface of the spot has changed – it is oozing fluid, bleeding, becoming crusty, or has become raised like a lump.

I have spots on my lips, is that dangerous?

Freckles can appear anywhere on your body, including your lips. Your lips are part of the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. Most of the time, having freckles on your lips is harmless. However, you should always keep an eye on your freckles. If you notice any changes, see a dermatologist.

Lip spots can sometimes resemble birthmarks (moles) or spots associated with a condition called Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome . This is a genetic condition, one of the symptoms of which is the appearance of dark spots on various parts of the body, including the lips.

What are the white spots on my skin?

You may have noticed small white spots on your skin. This is called 'Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis' . They are thought to be caused by prolonged sun exposure. Like other types of freckles, these are more common in people with fair skin, but they can also appear in older, darker-skinned people. They most commonly affect the legs, arms, upper back, and face.

These white spots are caused by a decrease in melanin in your skin. Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis is not a harmful condition . If you need treatment, there are treatment options such as topical steroids, tretinoin, pimecrolimus, and dermabrasion.

When should I see a dermatologist?

See a doctor or dermatologist if your scars or other skin changes show any of these signs:

• If it changes in size, shape or color.
• If the boundary is not clear or irregular .
• If there is an asymmetrical shape (if the two sides are not equal when divided in the middle).
• If it hurts, itches, or bleeds.
• If it comes out of the skin.
• If there are dark spots, or if there are several colors in one spot.

Moles are a very common skin discoloration. They are not always harmful. However, like any other skin lesion, it is important to pay attention to any moles on your skin. If possible, take photos of your skin every year. This will help you track changes in your moles, bumps, and skin discoloration over time. If you notice any changes in a birthmark, freckle, or other spot, see a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation. Even if you don't notice any changes, it is a good idea to have your skin checked regularly by a medical professional.

Things we should remember from this story (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let me remind you of some of the most important things we've talked about about freckles.

• Freckles are small, harmless spots that develop due to sun exposure.
• There are two types: Ephelides ( which appear during childhood) and Solar Lentigines ( which appear during aging).
• The best way to prevent the development of freckles is to protect yourself from the sun . That means wearing sunscreen every day and wearing protective clothing.
• Freckles don't need treatment. But if you want, there are ways to lighten the color. The best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist.
• The most important thing is to pay attention to the spots on your skin. Remember the ABCDE rule, and if you notice any suspicious changes in a spot, be sure to see a doctor. Because some skin cancers, like melanoma, can start as a spot.

Remember, your skin is your property. It's your responsibility to take care of it!

` Freckles, sun damage, skin spots, skin cancer, melanin, skin diseases, skin care, sunscreen, UV rays, skin protection