The Nitrogen Family Elements at a Glance

Author: ashubr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Definition

Freckles are small spots of melanin on the skin. Freckle is also known as mole. Actually it is a flat circular spot on the skin about the size of the head of a nail. It mostly develops after repeated exposure to sunlight, particularly in someone of fair complexion.

Moles (nevi) are clusters of pigmented cells. Although they often appear as small, dark brown spots, moles come in a range of colors and sizes. They can be raised or flat and can develop almost anywhere on your body even between your fingers and toes.

Causes

Freckles are commonly found on the face and hands, and any other part of the body that has been overexposed to the sun. Freckles are among the many signs of photoaging. Photoaging occurs when excessive sun exposure speeds the skins natural aging process. After exposure to sunlight, the outer layer of the skin thickens and the pigment-producing cells in the skin produce the pigment melanin at an increased rate.
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.
For those who already have any brown, discolored lesions, an in-depth consultation should be scheduled with a physician. He or she will perform a careful examination to determine that these spots are not pre-cancerous. This can develop on the skin causing growths that have irregular borders and strange colors such as black, red or pink.

Symptoms

Some of the Possible Symptoms of Freckles are :-

There may be change in the skin color and shape.
Diarrhea is another common symptom which is accompanied with freckles.
The skin cancer may be a possible symptom of freckles.
Moles are often produced at the affected area of skin.
In men, melanoma most often occurs on the trunk. In women, melanoma is most often found on the arms and lower legs. It is found most often in people with fair skin. African-Americans and people with dark skin are more likely to have melanoma on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Treatment

Treatment of melanoma that has not spread beyond the original area of growth is highly effective, and most of these cancers can be cured. In some cases, melanoma that has spread to nearby lymph nodes also can be treated effectively.

Most prescription creams used to lighten the skin contain hydroquinone. Bleaches lighten and fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin so those dark spots gradually fade to match normal skin coloration. Prescription bleaches contain twice the amount of hydroquinone, the active ingredient, as over-the-counter skin bleaches. In more severe cases prescription creams with tretinoin and a cortisone cream are added. These are somewhat irritating to sensitive skin and will take 3-6 months to produce improvement./pbr
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Author: Garrett Lynnbr
Source: isnare.combr
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Those with fair skin are much more likely to have several freckles, whereas those with darker skin do not have nearly as many. Freckles are small flat brown spots that appear on sun-exposed skin, generally on the face and arms. Freckles become darker with greater sun exposure as some are more susceptible to obtaining freckles than others. Ultraviolet rays from the sun activate pigment producing skin cells (melanocytes) which produce pigment (melanin). That increased amount of melanin results in dark or brown spots on the skin. These spots are common and most everyone obtains some at some point in life.

People who have a great amount of freckles may have an increased risk of having skin cancer later in life compared to those who do not have freckles. If the size or shape of your freckles is changing, it would be ideal to seek a physician to be evaluated. Freckles are a very common skin trait, although if not considered properly, it can lead to other skin complications later in life.

If you are not prone to obtaining freckles, be aware of the dangers of skin cancer due to excessive sun exposure. The best and most effective way to prevent freckles is to limit your sun exposure time. If you do go in the sun a lot, always be sure to wear sunblock. They are a part of the natural aging process, and unlike age spots, freckles are common in childhood and fade with age in some cases. Freckles are more common in those with lighter skin, red or blond hair, and in those who sunburn easily. They are not a skin disorder. Having freckles is generally a genetic trait, and although are found predominantly on the face, may appear on any skin exposed to the sun. Freckles also commonly are found in clusters where the produced melanin is more concentrated. A person with a good amount on their face are often embarrassed, however some people find it attractive and gives the person the character.

Bleaching creams, chemical peels and laser resurfacing are other treatment options available besides limited sun exposure to limit the appearance of freckles. Talk with your physician to decide what the best treatment is for you, and consider all the benefits and risks that go along with the suggested procedure. Freckles will reappear if they have been altered with creams or lasers and not protected from the sun. The cost of these other treatments can be very expensive and risky, but in some cases allow the freckles to diminish after time.

Since freckles are harmless and normal, you should not worry too much about the possible dangers later in life. If you feel that the clusters are increasing and they are looking darker and constantly change in shape, please see a local skin care physician today. You can decide which treatment option will best help your situation, by lightening or even removing freckles that you might think are cancerous and can lead to other serious skin problems.br
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