WHAT ARE MC1R GENE WITH FRECKLES?
The main gene responsible for freckles is called MC1R. It comes in two different versions, freckles (F) and non-freckles (f). Like most other genes, we each have two copies of MC1R. Whether or not you have freckles depends on the combination of the freckle (F) and non-freckles (f) versions of MC1R you have. Both Ff and FF people have freckles, what this means is that anyone with at least one copy of the freckle version(F) will have freckles.
This is why having freckles is a dominant trait. The freckle version dominates the non-freckle one, most likely your parents are both Ff. They have one copy of each version of the passed you an f, meaning you ended up with ff since you didn’t get a freckle version (F) you don’t have freckles.
MOST CRUCIALDETAILS ABOUT FRECKLES
Freckles are spots usually seen on people with fair or light skin. These spots contain melanin, a pigment-protein. Melanin gets made when harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun hits our skin. This UV light is very powerful and can damage DNA. Melanin shades and protects our DNA from the Sunlight. Not every cell in our body makes pigment though, the cells in the skin that make melanin are called. In some people, these melanocytes are spread out pretty evenly in the skin. Other people have their melanocytes in clumps. These people end up with clusters of cells that make pigment while the rest of the skin stays light (or turns red). These clumped cells are freckles. Do we know why people with freckles have clumped melanocytes? We know some of it, but not the whole story.
MC1R GENE OF RED-HEADS PEOPLE
Loss of function mutations at the MC1R is associated with a switch from eumelanin to phaeomelanin production, resulting in red or yellow coat colour, activating mutations, in animals at least, leading to enhanced eumelanin synthesis. In Man, several loss-of-function mutations in the MC1R have been described. The majority of redheads are compound heterozygotes or homozygotes for up to five frequent loss of function mutations.
FRECKLES AND SUNSPOT REMEDY
Treatment does exist to make freckles less visible, chemicals such as 70% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and 80% phenol are effective when applied locally. The treatment options include different types of laser, radiofrequency and light therapies since freckles, in themselves are entirely harmless the purpose of removing them is purely cosmetic. Some home remedies serve no purpose in removing or demising them. Some home remedies may do more harm than good in such cases. People with freckles are advised to use various Sun blocking agents and are advised to take precautions from direct exposure to sunlight.
These tiny spots on the skin can be a cause of concern, for many as they are quite disturbing and it’s a great task covering them when one steps out. These spots are difficult to treat with his remedies.
Cauterization /Fractional Laser
Some detaining creams and chemical peeling may help many in getting rid of these freckles sun spots. Multiple peeling sessions may be needed along with proper him regime for proper treatment of these dark spots, sometimes surgical laser or fractional laser, along with IPL laser may be used by dermatologists to treat these spots.
CONCLUSION
Anyone who has one or more uncertain pigmented spots should have their dermatologist evaluate them. Even verbal descriptions and photographs cannot convey enough information for satisfactory self-diagnosis, as always it is better to be safe than sorry.
