White freckles, scientifically called gut leucoderma, are small white patches on the skin, ranging in size from 1 to 10 mm, which are usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun. This is because UV rays damage melanocytes, which are the structures of the skin that produce the substance that gives a darker color to the skin.
The most frequent sites for the appearance of these white patches are the arms, the back and the face, especially in people over 40 years.
Although it is a benign skin change, white freckles are usually a sign that the skin is not being properly protected against the sun's UV rays, so it is important to start using sunscreen daily to avoid the onset of further complications. such as cancer in some skin site.
How To Treat White Freckles
The most important step in the treatment of white freckles is to use sunscreen daily on the skin exposed to the sun, with a protection factor of at least 15.
However, it is also possible to consult a dermatologist to initiate laser treatment or cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen. These techniques help to remove the superficial layer of the skin, promoting the regeneration of a skin without blemishes. There are also cases, especially in people with darker skin where stains may not disappear completely, but in these cases, one should keep using sunscreen.
What causes white freckles
The causes of white freckles are related to sun exposure without using the appropriate sun protection factor, because ultraviolet rays cause damage to melanocytes that fail to produce melanin correctly, generating these small vesicles lighter in color than the skin tone of the individual.
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of white freckles can be made by the dermatologist only by observing the lesions on the skin.
