White freckles, scientifically called leukoderma gutata, are small white patches on the skin, between 1 and 10 mm in size, which are usually caused by excessive exposure to the sun. This is because UV rays damage the melanocytes, which are the structures of the skin that produce the substance that gives the skin a darker color.
The most common places for the appearance of these white spots are the arms, the back and the face, especially in people over 40 years old.
Although it is a benign alteration of the skin, white freckles are usually a sign that the skin is not being properly protected from the sun's UV rays, so it is important to start using sunscreen daily to avoid the appearance of further complications. severe like cancer somewhere on the skin.
How to treat white freckles
The most important step in the treatment of white freckles is to use sunscreen daily on skin exposed to the sun, with a minimum protection factor of 15.
However, it is also possible to consult a dermatologist to begin laser treatment or liquid nitrogen cryosurgery. 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 the spots may not disappear completely, but in these cases, the use of sunscreen should be maintained.
What causes white freckles
The causes of white freckles are related to sun exposure without using the appropriate sun protection factor, as ultraviolet rays cause damage to melanocytes that fail to produce melanin correctly, generating these small vesicles that are lighter in color than the skin tone. of the individual.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of white freckles can be made by the dermatologist only by observing the lesions on the skin.
