Are freckles heredity???
What are freckles ?
Freckles are flat, circular spots that typically range in the size of the head of a nail. The spots develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight and particularly in persons of fair complexion. Freckles vary in color — they may be red, yellow, tan, light-brown, brown, or black — but they are always darker than the skin around them since they are due to deposits of the dark pigment called melanin.
Are freckles heredity ?
Yes freckles are heredity. In studies of twins, including pairs of identical twins and pairs of fraternal (nonidentical) twins, it has been found that among identical twin pairs, there was a striking similarity in the total number of freckles found on each person. Such similarities were considerably less common in fraternal twins. This clearly confirms that the occurrence of freckles is influenced by genetic factors. In fact, the variations in freckle counts appear to be due largely to heredity.
How do freckles develop ?
The sun and sun-tanning lights emit ultraviolet (UV) rays. After exposure to sunlight, the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) thickens and the pigment-producing cells (the melanocytes) in the skin produce the pigment melanin at an increased rate. (This gives some protection against future sun exposure.)
People differ of course a great deal in their reaction to sunlight. To take an extreme example, there is no pigmentation in the skin of an albino because of a defect in melanin metabolism. On the other hand, people with dark complexions are relatively less sensitive to sun exposure than fair-skinned persons. However, persons with dark skin are not entirely resistant to the effects of the sun, and they, too, can become sunburned with prolonged exposure. Persons with blonde or red hair are especially susceptible since they tend to be the fairest skinned. Irrespective of skin color, it is the uneven distribution of the melanin pigment in the skin that results in freckling. A freckle is nothing more than an unusually heavy deposit of melanin at one spot in the skin
Treatment for freckles….
To treat freckles that are already present, several safe and effective methods are available:
1. Bleaching creams - Products containing hydroquinone and kojic acid can be purchased without a prescription. Higher concentrations of hydroquinone (over 2%) require a prescription. These products can lighten freckles if they are applied consistently over a period of months.
2. Tretinoin – Sometimes used in conjunction with other bleaching creams, tretinoin (vitamin A acid, Retin-A) also helps to make freckles lighter when applied over a period of time.
3. Cryosurgery - A light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used to treat freckles.
4. Laser treatment - Several lasers, especially ones that produce a green light, can lighten and eliminate freckles safely and effectively. Like cryosurgery, this is a simple and safe procedure with a high success rate and a low risk of scarring.