Clive Anderson - AT THE DERMATOLOGIST READERS' FEEDBACK Anita from Kingston writes: compliments of the season to you. I have read your article on the bleaching syndrom in The Gleaner, I find it very interesting.
I would like to know what can I do to get the freckles off my face. I have a lot of freckles on my face and hands. It makes my face look ugly. So, please could you tell me what I can use. I have tried "Skin Success" but it did not help. I am dying to get them off really soon. Can you help me? Another thing: how do you get rid of the dark spots that bumps have left on my face?
DERMATOLOGIST'S RESPONSE
Glad you enjoyed the article. Freckles are flat circular spots that range in size, but are typically the size of the head of a nail. They are always darker than the surrounding skin as they are caused by deposits of dark pigment called melanin.
Freckles develop as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. Overexposure to sunlight causes the outer layer of the skin to thicken and stimulates the pigment producing cells in our skin to produce melanin at an increased rate. When that pigment is distributed unevenly in the skin it results in freckles. Genetic factors also play a role in the development of freckles, as some families are more prone to developing these spots.
True freckles pose no medical risk at all. They are completely harmless.
There are however a number of other dark spots that pose a more serious health threats and that may be confused with freckles. These are the lentigo maligna (malignant freckle) and the skin cancers (melanoma & basal cell carcinoma). It is wise to have dark spots on the skin evaluated by your Dermatologist.
The tendency to freckle frequently goes with the tendency to develop skin cancer. Freckle prevention is obviously better than treatment and persons who freckle easily should wear a sunscreen always.
FRECKLE TREATMENT
There are safe and effective methods of treating freckles:
depigmenting products prescription products containing hydroquinone lighten the freckles if applied consistently with a sunblock. Combination products with hydroquinone and tretinoin are also useful
skin peels with glycolic acid, salycilic acid or trichloacetic acid are used
laser treatment is probably the most effective treatment available.
It is best Anita to see your
Dermatologist to discuss which option is best for you. He/She will also assess your risk for skin cancer and advise you on appropriate skin care. Do not use the bleaching creams as you will surely damage the skin and end with a real problem.
Blessings!
Dr. Clive Anderson is a Dermatologist.
