Freckles are small spots found on the skin that are typically harmless. They can appear suddenly due to exposure from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Freckles are small spots that are typically 1 to 2 millimeters (mm) in diameter. They can result from an overproduction of melanin, a substance that gives your body its pigment.
On light skin tones, they may appear brown or red, and on dark skin tones, they may appear brown or darker than the surrounding skin. However, they’re most common on light skin tones.
Freckles can appear suddenly for many reasons, but they most commonly occur due to overexposure to the sun. Read on to learn about the other causes of freckles, how to prevent them from forming, and when to speak with a doctor.
Freckles can suddenly appear on the skin for many reasons, such as;
Sun exposure
One of the most common causes of freckles is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Spending too much time in the sun can lead to skin damage, such as sunburn, and the development of freckles.
Freckles can form as a protective barrier on the skin against repeated heat exposure.
Genetics
Freckles can be genetic.
However, just because parents have freckles does not mean that a child will also develop them. In some cases, this gene may stay dormant.
Underlying health conditions
There are some skin diseases that can lead to symptoms like as freckles. This includes:
- xeroderma pigmentosum
- Legius syndrome
- neurofibromatosis type 1
However, these conditions are extremely rare. A healthcare professional can help identify the cause of your freckles. and rule out any underlying health conditions.
One of the key ways you can help prevent freckles from appearing or spreading is to wear sunscreen every day, before going outside.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
It’s important to ensure that you reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after activities like swimming.
The following methods can also help to prevent freckles:
- wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves
- staying in the shade when the temperature is at its highest
- avoiding tanning beds
Freckles and moles may look similar due to their color. However, one of the key ways to tell them apart is by their size, as freckles can often be larger in size.
Freckles are also typically found on areas of the body most likely to experience exposure, such as the arms and face. Whereas moles can appear anywhere on the body.
If you’re unsure of whether you have a mole or a freckle, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist.
Freckles and moles are typically harmless. However, they can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, such as melanoma.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends performing self-exams on moles or pigmented spots using the ABCDE method to check for signs of melanoma.
You should speak with a healthcare professional if your moles show any of the following signs:
- A — Asymmetry: One half of the spot doesn’t match the other, or it’s not asymmetrical.
- B — Border: The borders are uneven or bumpy.
- C — Color: There are several colors.
- D — Diameter: It’s larger than 6 mm.
- E — Evolving: It changes in size, shape, color, or height, or it becomes itchy or painful, or there’s a change in sensation.
A healthcare professional can perform more in-depth tests to help rule out any underlying health conditions.
Freckles are small pigmented spots on the skin. The most common cause is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Spending too much time in the sun can lead to skin damage, such as sunburn, and the development of freckles.
One key way to prevent freckles from appearing or spreading is to wear sunscreen every day.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of a freckle, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can examine the area more closely and perform any necessary tests to rule out any underlying skin conditions.