Ephelides (Freckles) Flashcards
Clinical features?
Define border, vary shapes, red-light brown, become darker in summer, lightens in winter, location: sun exposure areas
Cause?
Melanin Accumulation without increased of melanocyte number
Frequent UVB exposure - stimulates melanocytes - localised pigment overproduction frequent sun exposure during childhood
Genetics - (MC1R/Melanocortin receptors can play a role in ephelides development; controls which type of melanin produced by melanocytes, triggers chemical reaction inside melanocyte = stimulate eumelanin), large melanocytes = melanogenesis
Fitzpatrick - 1-4 fitz common
Why does it happen? (Pathophysiology)
UV radiation: Stimulates melanogenesis = increase melanin production to protect from DNA damage
Genetics: (MC1R/Melanocortin gene plays a role in ephelides development; controls which type of melanin produced by melanocytes, triggers chemical reaction inside melanocyte = stimulate eumelanin) = regulate melanin production
Treatment plan?
Protect
SPF and physical protection
Skincare
Antioxidants - vitamin c and niacinamide
Tyrosinase (Reduce pigment production) - kojic acid, azelaic acid
Retinol - increase cell turnover = fade pigment over time
Laser and IPL
IPL (fitz 1-3) - epidermal pigment
Q-switched KTP (532 (fitz 1-3) - epidermal pigment
Q-Switched/Pico secondNd:YAG (1064nm)(fitz 4)
-high-energy pulses that selectively shatter melanin with minimal heat diffusion to surrounding tissue
Are Ephelides epidermal or dermal pigment?
Epidermal pigment
