What are the differences between freckles and melasma?

The spots on a woman's face will always reduce her overall charm, so whether it is freckles or chloasma, they are the natural enemies of women's love of beauty. However, many female friends easily confuse freckles and chloasma, these two common skin spots. However, you need to be reminded that different spots require different removal methods, so it is recommended that you first understand the difference between freckles and chloasma, and then carry out a targeted freckle removal plan.

Although both melasma and freckles are spots caused by pigmentation of the skin, and their occurrence is related to ultraviolet rays and genetics, they have great differences in clinical manifestations. Therefore, if you have spots on your face, you must first check whether they are freckles or chloasma before you can receive treatment.

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

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.

4. It usually occurs in childhood, more commonly in females than in males, often with a family history and no other symptoms.

Chloasma: It is an acquired localized hyperpigmentation disease, also known as butterfly spots, pregnancy spots, liver spots, etc. These are the same disease, named according to different morphology, age group characteristics, etc.

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. The size is irregular, the spots have clear edges, smooth surface, no inflammatory reaction, and no pain or itching.

4. Women who frequently use oral contraceptives and pregnant women will develop "pregnancy spots" on their faces, which is also a type of chloasma.

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

The above are the specific manifestations of the difference between freckles and melasma. I also need to tell you that no matter whether your freckles are congenital or acquired, generally their appearance is directly related to genetics. So if your immediate family members have freckles and you don’t have them yet, it is recommended that you always do a good job of sun protection to avoid the occurrence of freckles.