Primary Care Dermatology Society
The leading primary care society for dermatology and skin surgery

Ephelis (syn. freckle)

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Latest update 16/06/09    

Pathology

  • An ephelis arises as a result of a temporary overproduction of melanin by a normal number of melanocytes due to UV stimulation  

Key diagnostic features

  • Common in children and in individuals of any age who are red or fair-haired and fair-skinned
  • Regular small brown macular lesions on sun-exposed sites
  • Lesions fade in winter months (as opposed to a lentigo where the pigment remains)
 

Figure 1 – Freckles