Freckles, Lentigines, Melasma

Freckles are brownish flat spots seen predominantly on face and also on other sun exposed areas like neck, arms, shoulders etc. It is commonly seen in fair skinned individuals.

Typical Causes of these are genetic in nature or they can be caused / aggravated by sun exposure. They are often found to be prominent in summer and subside during winter. Earliest occurrence of these conditions is seen in children from 5 years of age.

Lentigenes are brownish spots larger than freckles seen on any part of the body and at any age. They occur primarily due to increased melanin formation.

Melasma is seen as dark brown patches on sun exposed areas like cheeks, forehead, nose, temples etc. It is more common in females. Some causes of the same are sunlight, hormonal changes (common during pregnancy) or genetic disposition.