Freckles, brownish yellow spots usually found mostly on the face, neck and hands are also known as …. ?

Option B

A lentigo is a pigmented flat or slightly raised lesion with a clearly defined edge. Unlike an ephelis (freckle), it does not fade in the winter months. There are several kinds of lentigo.

The name lentigo originally referred to its appearance resembling a small lentil. The plural of lentigo is lentigines, although “lentigos” is also in common use.

Who gets lentigines?

Lentigines can affect males and females of all ages and races. Solar lentigines are especially prevalent in fair skinned adults. Lentigines associated with syndromes are present at birth or arise during childhood.

causes of lentigines

Common forms of lentigo are due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation:

• Sun damage including sunburn
• Indoor tanning
• Phototherapy, especially photochemotherapy (PUVA)

Clinical features of lentigines

Lentigines have been classified into several different types depending on what they look like, where they appear on the body, causative factors, and whether they are associated to other diseases or conditions.

Lentigines may be solitary or more often, multiple. Most lentigines are smaller than 5 mm in diameter.

diagnosis of lentigines

Lentigines are usually diagnosed clinically by their typical appearance. Concern regarding possibility of melanoma may lead to:

• Dermatoscopy
• Diagnostic excision biopsy

In contrast, an ephelis (freckle) shows sun-induced increased melanin within the keratinocytes, without an increase in number of cells.

Prevention of lentigines

Lentigines associated with exposure ultraviolet radiation can be prevented by very careful sun protection. Clothing is more successful at preventing new lentigines than are sunscreens.