Ephelis is the medical term for a simple freckle, which is lighter and smaller than a sunburn freckle (lentigo). Freckles are caused by exposure to UV radiation and can be prevented with sunscreen and avoided by staying out of the sun. Treatment options include chemical peels, cryosurgery, and laser treatment.
Ephelis is a medical term of Greek origin which means freckle. A freckle itself is a flat, round, tan-colored spot that appears on a person’s skin, most commonly on the cheeks and nose, as well as the arms and upper shoulders. In general, there are two different types of freckles: plain and sunburn. When a person talks about an ephelis, they are referring to a simple freckle, as a sunburn freckle is called a lentigo. While there are many differences between an ephelis and a lentigo, the main physical characteristics of an ephelis are that it is usually lighter and smaller than a lentigo.
People with fair hair and fair skin are the ones who most commonly acquire freckles. Freckles can vary in color, but are generally darker than the surrounding skin. A person who acquires freckles may find that he tends to form them in multiples. They appear during sunny weather and may clear up during the winter. In some cases, the appearance of freckles is a genetic trait.
Unlike freckles, freckles usually appear from sunburn, on the back and upper shoulders, both of which are areas where people get sunburned the most. In addition to being darker and larger than freckles, freckles also tend to have rougher edges. Furthermore, these types of freckles do not form in multiples but individually and in isolated areas. Also, freckles don’t fade during the winter.
Although freckles can form due to genetics or certain medical conditions, they also appear after repeated exposure to sunlight; that is, a person often acquires freckles as a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When a person is exposed to UV radiation, melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells, increase the production of the pigment melanin. This increase in melanin is what causes freckles. The amount of freckles that forms varies from person to person, depending on genetics and susceptibility to UV rays. For example, two people who get the same amount of UV radiation won’t necessarily get the same amount of freckles.
Since freckles are usually harmless, treatment isn’t necessary. For cosmetic reasons, however, there are a couple of methods that can help prevent freckles from appearing. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen might help reduce the appearance of freckles. In addition, there are also treatment methods that help lighten freckles. These methods include chemical peels, cryosurgery and laser treatment.
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