Freckles
What are freckles?
Freckles are pigmented spots brought out by sunlight. They usually are on the face, neck, and shoulders. They occur mainly in fair-skinned people and are inherited. They start around age 5, and although they fade somewhat each winter, they become prominent each summer.
How can I take care of my child?
Sunscreens cannot prevent them, and lemon juice cannot bleach them. Therefore, the child who has freckles must learn to live with them. Family and friends can help by referring to the freckles as special and attractive. They never turn into skin cancer. People with freckles need to be extra careful about sun overexposure.
Written by Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sickâ€, American Academy of Pediatrics Books.
Pediatric Advisor 2012.1 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2002-03-11
Last reviewed: 2010-06-02
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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