Abstract
Freckles, the lay term for ephelides and lentigines, are important pigmentation characteristics observed in humans. Both are affected by sunlight; ephelides are largely genetically determined but induced by sunlight, whereas lentigines are induced by sun exposure and photodamage of the skin. However, despite being commonly observed, we know very little about them. Here, we review the current status of knowledge about freckles and propose a model for their formation.
Keywords:
ephelides; freckles; melanocytes; solar lentigines; stem cells.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Age of Onset
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Agouti Signaling Protein / genetics
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Animals
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Ethnicity / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Hair Color / genetics
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Humans
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Keratinocytes / metabolism
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Keratinocytes / radiation effects
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Keratinocytes / ultrastructure
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Lentigo / etiology
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Lentigo / genetics
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Lentigo / pathology
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Melanins / biosynthesis
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Melanins / physiology
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Melanocytes / metabolism
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Melanocytes / radiation effects
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Melanocytes / ultrastructure
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Melanosis / epidemiology
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Melanosis / etiology*
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Melanosis / genetics
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Melanosis / pathology
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Melanosomes / ultrastructure
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Models, Biological
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Monophenol Monooxygenase / genetics
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Photosensitivity Disorders / epidemiology
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Photosensitivity Disorders / etiology*
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Photosensitivity Disorders / genetics
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Photosensitivity Disorders / pathology
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1 / genetics
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Skin Pigmentation / genetics
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Sunlight / adverse effects*
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Syndrome
Substances
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ASIP protein, human
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Agouti Signaling Protein
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Melanins
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Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1
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Monophenol Monooxygenase