What should you know about age freckles?

They tend to occur on areas that receive sunlight, such as the face, shoulders and arms. Genetics and ultraviolet exposure both influence whether a person develops them.

A typical freckle is a small, flat, evenly coloured spot that becomes more noticeable after sun exposure. Marks that appear later in life may instead be solar lentigines, commonly called sun spots, which tend to persist rather than fade when sunlight decreases.

Age offers context, not certainty. A clinician distinguishes freckles from moles, sun spots and other pigmented lesions by examining their pattern, colour, border, surface and evolution.

Use shade, clothing, a hat and broad-spectrum sunscreen to limit further darkening and ultraviolet injury. Reapply sunscreen according to its label, particularly during prolonged outdoor activity, swimming or heavy sweating.

Freckles do not require treatment. If their appearance concerns you, a dermatologist can confirm what the spots are and discuss options such as light- or laser-based treatment. Pigment can return or change after treatment, especially with continuing sun exposure, and some skin tones need extra care to avoid uneven colour.

Arrange an assessment if one spot looks unlike the others or changes in size, shape, border, colour or height. Persistent itching, spontaneous bleeding, crusting, pain or a sore that does not heal also warrants medical review.

A sudden crop of spots with other symptoms, or a pigmented mark beneath a nail, on a sole or in another unusual site, should be shown to a clinician rather than treated as a cosmetic freckle.

Ask whether the marks are freckles or another type of pigmentation, whether dermoscopy is needed, and how your skin tone affects treatment choice. Before a procedure, discuss expected improvement, the chance of pigment becoming lighter or darker, aftercare and sun protection.