Lentigo and Freckles (Ephelides)

Tran K. Nguyen, MD and Nehman Andry, MD Reviewed 06/2019

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Ephelides, commonly known as freckles, are one of the most frequently identified pigmented lesions seen on skin recognized by the general public.
These tend to occur in light-skinned ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

A lentigo simplex is a lesion that can be present at birth but may also develop at any age, whereas ephelides tend to present in childhood and solar lentigines in adulthood. Both sola...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Neither of these conditions require treatment. However, solar lentigines occur in patients with a history of chronic UV exposure which also places them at an increased risk f...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Fair-skinned, sun-sensitive patients or patients with a history of skin cancer should undergo a full-body skin examination at least once a year ...

REFERENCES

Bataille V, Snieder H, MacGregor AJ, et al. Genetics of risk factors for melanoma: an adult twin study of nevi and freckles. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000;92(6):457–463. [View Abstract on...

CODES

ICD10

L81.2 Freckles
L81.4 Other melanin hyperpigmentation

ICD9

709.09 Other dyschromia

SNOMED

201285006 Lentigo - freckle
398744007 Lentigo
403536009 Ephelis
398900000 Lentigo simplex
72100002 Senile le...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Ephelides are small, grouped, and light to dark brown macules that are responsive to sunlight. They are often first seen during childhood in people with fair skin in areas of high sun ...

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