Do you know the difference between melasma and freckles?

Chloasma and freckles are both common skin problems among women, and their colors and shapes look very similar, making it difficult for people to distinguish whether it is chloasma or freckles on the face. So what is the difference between melasma and freckles? Let's find out together!

The difference between melasma and freckles

1. From the definition

Chloasma, also known as liver spots and butterfly spots, is a symptom of facial melanosis. It is caused by the increase of melanin in the skin which cannot be effectively and promptly eliminated and is deposited on the face. Because chloasma has no other uncomfortable symptoms except being unsightly, people usually regard it as a general disfiguring skin lesion.

Freckles refer to dark brown spots that appear on the face and are scattered on the face. Apart from the cosmetic impairment, there are no subjective feelings or other effects.

2. From the characteristics of spots

chloasma

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. When it is first formed, it is very light and cannot be seen, but over time, it will become darker and darker. The color changes from light gray to dark brown.

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.

6. Male patients with melasma are often accompanied by gastrointestinal dysfunction, etc.

7. Sun spots caused by excessive exposure to sunlight are also a type of melasma.

freckle

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 prone to occur on the face, neck, arms and other sun-exposed areas, and on the face they are mostly scattered on the cheeks and nose bridge.

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.