Freckles: causes and which doctor to see
Freckles are small, flat, light brown spots on sun-exposed areas such as the face, shoulders and arms. They appear especially in fair-skinned and red- or fair-haired people, through genetic tendency combined with the effect of the sun; they darken in summer and fade in winter. They are harmless. Sun spots (lentigines) that appear with age and do not fade in winter, and the large patches on the face in pregnancy (melasma), are different from freckles.
Which doctor should I see for freckles?
For freckles you can first see: Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of freckles?
- Small light brown dots on the face, nose and cheeks
- Darkening in summer and fading in winter
- Flat spots that are not raised
What causes freckles?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Genetic tendency (fair skin, red or fair hair)
- 2Sunlight (ultraviolet)
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is one spot different from the others, growing, or changing colour or shape
- Is there itching, bleeding or raising of a spot
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply it during the day.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
See a doctor if
- Spots you are unsure about or that are changing
- When cosmetic treatment is wanted
How long does it last and how is it treated?
They do not disappear permanently; they fade with sun protection. If wanted, they can be made less noticeable with creams recommended by a dermatologist, chemical peels or laser; they may darken again in the sun.
Treatment options for freckles
See how each treatment is done, how long it takes and which doctors offer it in your city. Your doctor will decide which option suits you after an examination.
Who gets freckles?
- Fair-skinned people
- Children and young people
- People often exposed to the sun
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by appearance; suspicious spots are assessed with dermoscopy.
Can it be prevented?
- Regular sunscreen, a hat and avoiding the midday sun.
Find a dermatologist in your city
Dermatologists in Turkish cities who can help with freckles.
People also describe it as
- “I have freckles on my face — how can I get rid of them?”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for freckles?
For freckles you can first see: Dermatology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of freckles?
Common symptoms: small light brown dots on the face, nose and cheeks; darkening in summer and fading in winter; flat spots that are not raised. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What causes freckles?
The most common causes: genetic tendency (fair skin, red or fair hair); sunlight (ultraviolet). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does freckles last and how is it treated?
They do not disappear permanently; they fade with sun protection. If wanted, they can be made less noticeable with creams recommended by a dermatologist, chemical peels or laser; they may darken again in the sun.
Who gets freckles?
It is more common in: fair-skinned people; children and young people; people often exposed to the sun.
How is freckles diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by appearance; suspicious spots are assessed with dermoscopy.
Can freckles be prevented?
Regular sunscreen, a hat and avoiding the midday sun.
Do freckles go away completely?
They do not disappear permanently; they fade with treatment and sun protection.
Are freckles and sun spots the same?
No; freckles start in youth and fade in winter, while sun spots appear with age and are permanent.
When is freckles an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is one spot different from the others, growing, or changing colour or shape?” “Is there itching, bleeding or raising of a spot?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for freckles?
See a doctor: spots you are unsure about or that are changing; when cosmetic treatment is wanted.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.