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Freckles Center - Yuma, AZ

Yuma Dermatologist Doctors for Freckles

Type of Physician: Dermatologist

What is a Dermatologist?

A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars.

Specialty: Dermatology

Common Name: Skin Doctor

Dermatologist Doctors in Yuma *

Palm Canyon Dermatology
Gregory A Ertl
350 W Catalina Dr
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928) 344-0650

Yuma, Arizona

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Freckles

What are freckles?

Freckles are flat, tanned circular spots that typically are the size of the head of a common nail. The spots are multiple and may develop randomly on the skin, especially after repeated exposure to sunlight. These are particularly common in people of fair complexion on upper-body skin areas like the cheeks, nose, arms, and upper shoulders. They may appear on people as young as age 1 or 2.

Most freckles on a person's skin are usually uniform in color. On different people, freckles may vary somewhat in color -- they may be reddish, yellow, tan, light brown, brown, or black -- but they are basically slightly darker than the surrounding skin. They tend to become darker and more apparent after sun exposure and lighten in the winter months. Freckles are due to an increase in the amount of dark pigment called melanin and are not due to an increase in the total number of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. The word freckle comes from the Middle English freken, which, in turn, came from the Old Norse freknur, meaning "freckled." (Some speakers of Old English and Old Norse must have had a tendency to developing freckles.)

What types of freckles are there?

There are two basic types of freckles: simple freckles and sunburn freckles. Simple freckles are usually tan, round, and small -- about the size of a common construction nail head. Sunburn freckles are often darker, have irregular jagged borders, and may be larger than a pencil eraser. Sunburn freckles are more common on the upper back and shoulders where people frequently get their most severe sunburns.

Ephelides (singular: ephelis) is the Greek word and medical term for freckle. This term refers to flat spots that are tan, slightly reddish, or light brown and typically appear during the sunny months. They are most often found on people with light com...

Recommended Reading Related to Freckles

Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) »

What is photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity (or sun sensitivity) is inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of sunlight and certain medications or substances. This causes redness (erythema) of the skin and may look similar to sunburn. Both the photosensitizing medication or chemical and light source have to be present in order for a photosensitivity reaction to occur.

Generally, these reactions can be divided into two mechanisms, 1) phototoxic reactions and 2) photoallergic reactions. Phototoxic drugs are much more common than photoallergic drugs.

What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?

Phototoxic reactions

In phototoxic reactions, the drug may become activated by exposure to sunlight and cause damage to the skin. The skin's appearance resembles sunburn, and the process is generally acute (has a fast onset). Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is most commonly a...

Emergency Contact for Yuma

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Yuma Hospitals *

HEALTHSOUTH Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital
901 W 24th St
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928)726-5000

Yuma Regional Medical Center
2400 S Avenue A
Yuma, AZ 85364
(928)344-2000

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