The difference between freckles and melasma

Spots are a relatively common skin problem and also a skin abnormality that has a particularly great impact on a person's image. There are many types of spots. Different spots have different causes, and the treatment and removal methods are also different. Freckles and melasma are two common types of spots. So, what are the causes and characteristics of freckles and melasma? The following is a detailed analysis for you.

1. Introduction to freckles

Freckles are a type of skin lesion that occurs on the face. They appear as small, spotty or sesame-like brown or light brown spots. They are most likely to appear on the cheeks and bridge of the nose, but can also spread to the entire face and even the neck. They are one of the most common causes of facial beauty. Most of them are acquired, but some patients are congenital.

Skin lesions usually appear around 3 to 5 years old, and are more common in females. Their number gradually increases with age. It is common on the face, especially the nose and cheeks, and can affect exposed parts such as the neck, shoulders, and back of the hands. There is no rash on non-exposed parts. The lesions are light brown or dark brown pinhead-sized to mung bean-sized macules that are round, oval or irregular. Distributed in scattered or clustered forms, isolated and unintegrated. No subjective symptoms. The rash becomes darker and more numerous after sun exposure in the summer, while it becomes lighter or disappears in the winter. There is often a family history.

Second, the characteristics of freckles:

1. Small brown spots ranging in size from a needle tip to a grain of rice are called freckles because of their shape and color like bird eggs.

2. Freckles are common on the face, neck, arms and other sun-exposed areas, and on the face they are mostly scattered on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.

3. The number of freckles varies and they do not merge with each other.

3. Introduction to Melasma

Chloasma, also known as liver spots, is a type of facial melanosis and is a pigmentation spot that occurs on the face. Chloasma is most harmful to women. Chloasma is mainly caused by female endocrine disorders, mental stress, various diseases (liver and kidney dysfunction, gynecological diseases, diabetes), lack of vitamins in the body, and stimulation from external chemical drugs.

4. Characteristics of Melasma:

1. They occur on the cheekbones, forehead and around the mouth, and are mostly symmetrical and butterfly-shaped, so they are also called "butterfly spots".

2. The initial color is like dust, which deepens over time and becomes light gray-brown or dark brown, dull and dry.

3. Women with chloasma often have menstrual disorders, premenstrual breast swelling, or chronic diseases.