The New International Encyclopædia/Freckles

For works with similar titles, see Freckles.

​FRECKLES, frěk′k’lz (older form frecken, from Icel. freknur, freckles; ultimately connected with Gk. περκνός, perknos, spotted), sometimes called lentigo. Small yellowish or brownish-yellow irregularly rounded spots, from the size of a pin’s head to that of a split pea, frequently seen on the skin, especially of fair or reddish-haired persons, though they are seen even in mulattoes. They are not often met with under the age of six or eight. They are most common on the face, but often occur on the hands, and sometimes elsewhere. They are always most distinct in summer; but though the influence of the sun’s rays undoubtedly increases their distinctness, it is doubtful whether it can cause them. They are due to increased local deposit of pigment-granules in the epidermis; and it may be noticed that persons subject to them do not bronze uniformly under the influence of exposure nearly so deeply as others. Many methods of treatment have been advocated for their removal; but in most cases they return upon exposure to the sun. Among the milder measures which sometimes succeed in improving the condition is a solution of hyposulphite of soda, 15 to 30 grains, or of chloride of ammonium, 15 grains to the ounce of water.

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