Children & Adolescents Clinic

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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Freckles

DESCRIPTION

Freckles are pigmented spots brought out by sunlight. Thus, they usually are confined to the face, neck, and shoulders. They occur mainly in fair-skinned people and are due to an inherited tendency. They start around age 5, and although they fade somewhat each winter, they become prominent each summer.

HOME CARE

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 (see Sunburn ).


Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems