#

Lentigo, or freckle, is characterized by round or irregular, pin-head to
pea-sized, yellowish, brownish or blackish spots, occurring usually
about the face and the backs of the hands. It is a common affection,
varying somewhat in the degree of development; the freckles present may
be few and insignificant, or they may exist in profusion and be quite
disfiguring. Heat and exposure favor their development. Those of light
complexion, especially those with red hair, are its most common
subjects. The color of the lesion is usually a yellowish-brown.

It is common to all ages, but is generally seen in its greatest
development during adolescence, the disposition to its appearance
becoming less marked as age advances.

#What is the pathology of lentigo?#

Lentigo consists simply of a circumscribed deposit of pigment
granules--merely a localized increase of the normal pigment, differing
from chloasma (_q. v._) only in the size and shape of the pigmentation.

#State the prognosis.#

The blemishes can be removed by treatment, but their return is almost
certain.

#Name the several applications commonly employed for their removal.#

An aqueous or alcoholic solution of corrosive sublimate, one-half to
three grains to the ounce; lactic acid, one part to from six to twenty
parts of water; and an ointment containing a drachm each of bismuth
subnitrate and ammoniated mercury to the ounce.

The applications, which act by removing the epidermal and rete cells and
with them the pigment, are made two or three times daily, and their use
intermitted for a few days as soon as the skin becomes irritated or
scaly.

Touching each freckle for a few seconds with the electric needle, just
pricking the epidermis, will occasionally remove the blemish.

#Chloasma.#

#What do you understand by chloasma?#

Chloasma consists of an abnormal deposit of pigment, occurring as
variously-sized and shaped, yellowish, brownish or blackish patches.

#Describe the clinical appearances of chloasma.#

Chloasma appears either in ill-defined patches, as is commonly the case,
or as a diffuse discoloration. Its appearance is rapid or gradual,
generally the latter. The patches are rounded or irregular, and usually
shade off into the sound skin. One, several or more may be present, and
coalescence may take place, resulting in a large irregular pigmented
area. The color is yellowish, or brownish, and may even be