freckle
Sign in to saveFreckles are clusters of concentrated melaninized cells which are most easily visible on people with a fair complexion. Freckles do not have an increased number of the melanin-producing cells, or melanocytes, but instead have melanocytes that overproduce melanin granules (melanosomes) changing the coloration of the outer skin cells (keratinocytes). As such, freckles are different from lentigines and moles, which are caused by accumulation of melanocytes in a small area. Freckles can appear on all types of skin tones. Of the six Fitzpatrick skin types, they are most common on skin tones 1 and 2
AI overview
Freckles are small spots on the skin caused by melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) that overproduce melanin, making them most visible on fair skin. They differ from moles and lentigines because they don't involve an increased number of melanocytes, just an overproduction of pigment in existing cells.
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Key facts
- Medical condition (new).name
- Freckle
- Medical condition (new).synonyms
- Ephelides, ephelis
- Medical condition (new).image
- Vesnuschki.jpg
- Medical condition (new).caption
- Slight facial freckles on a child
- Medical condition (new).field
- Dermatology
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Article
7 sectionsContents
- Biology
- Genetics
- Types
- In culture
- See also
- References
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Freckles are clusters of concentrated melaninized cells which are most easily visible on people with a fair complexion. Freckles do not have an increased number of the melanin-producing cells, or melanocytes, but instead have melanocytes that overproduce melanin granules (melanosomes) changing the coloration of the outer skin cells (keratinocytes). As such, freckles are different from lentigines and moles, which are caused by accumulation of melanocytes in a small area. Freckles can appear on all types of skin tones. Of the six Fitzpatrick skin types, they are most common on skin tones 1 and 2, which usually belong to North Europeans. However, it can also be found on people all over the world.
==Biology== The formation of freckles is caused by exposure to sunlight. The exposure to UV-B radiation activates melanocytes to increase melanin production, which can cause freckles to become darker and more visible. This means that one who has never developed freckles may develop them suddenly following extended exposure to sunlight.