Freckles have been shown to be harmless when they appear. Still, it is important to be aware of skin changes and be aware of what is normal for your skin. Because skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it would be best to know the signs and symptoms of this disease if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Are freckles symptoms of cancer? A disease like basal cell carcinoma, which is a cancer that affects areas of the skin exposed to the sun, is one of the ones to be wary of. The risk of basal cell carcinoma is higher among people who freckle or burn easily or who have very light skin, red or blond hair, or light-colored eyes.
How are Freckles Different From Other Skin Marks?
Unlike other skin patches like moles, freckles appear flat instead of raised from the skin. In some cases, freckles get darker when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. That is why freckles are more noticeable during the summer and why they fade during colder periods.
Another marking on the skin that freckles are often mistaken for are solar lentigines. Also known as age spots, solar lentigines are caused by prolonged sun exposure over the course of several years. In contrast, freckles or ephelides are largely caused by simple genetics.
Solar lentigines are more prevalent than ephelides and increase in prevalence and number as people age. They are most prevalent on the trunk and occur more frequently in males than in females. On the other hand, ephelides or freckles face away with age. They also become equally distributed on the face, arms, and trunk while occurring more frequently in females.
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