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Freckling

MedGen UID:
5272
Concept ID:
C0016689
Finding; Finding
Synonyms: Freckle; Freckles
SNOMED CT: Ephelis (403536009); Freckle (403536009); Melanotic macule (699225003); Focal melanosis (699225003); Ephelides (403536009); Melanotic macule (403536009)
 
HPO: HP:0001480

Definition

The presence of an increased number of freckles, small circular spots on the skin that are darker than the surrounding skin because of deposits of melanin. [from HPO]

Conditions with this feature

Xeroderma pigmentosum group B
MedGen UID:
78643
Concept ID:
C0268136
Disease or Syndrome
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is characterized by: Acute sun sensitivity (severe sunburn with blistering, persistent erythema on minimal sun exposure) with marked freckle-like pigmentation of the face before age two years; Sunlight-induced ocular involvement (photophobia, severe keratitis, atrophy of the skin of the lids, ocular surface neoplasms); Greatly increased risk of sunlight-induced cutaneous neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) within the first decade of life. Approximately 25% of affected individuals have neurologic manifestations (acquired microcephaly, diminished or absent deep tendon stretch reflexes, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, progressive cognitive impairment, and ataxia). The most common causes of death are skin cancer, neurologic degeneration, and internal cancer. The median age at death in persons with XP with neurodegeneration (29 years) was found to be younger than that in persons with XP without neurodegeneration (37 years).
Xeroderma pigmentosum, group F
MedGen UID:
120612
Concept ID:
C0268140
Congenital Abnormality
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is characterized by: Acute sun sensitivity (severe sunburn with blistering, persistent erythema on minimal sun exposure) with marked freckle-like pigmentation of the face before age two years; Sunlight-induced ocular involvement (photophobia, severe keratitis, atrophy of the skin of the lids, ocular surface neoplasms); Greatly increased risk of sunlight-induced cutaneous neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) within the first decade of life. Approximately 25% of affected individuals have neurologic manifestations (acquired microcephaly, diminished or absent deep tendon stretch reflexes, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, progressive cognitive impairment, and ataxia). The most common causes of death are skin cancer, neurologic degeneration, and internal cancer. The median age at death in persons with XP with neurodegeneration (29 years) was found to be younger than that in persons with XP without neurodegeneration (37 years).
Neurofibromatosis, familial spinal
MedGen UID:
320296
Concept ID:
C1834235
Disease or Syndrome
Spinal neurofibromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a high load of spinal tumors. These tumors may be asymptomatic or result in neurologic symptoms, including back pain, difficulty walking, and paresthesias. Spinal NF is considered to be a subtype of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1; 162200), which is an allelic disorder. Patients with spinal NF may or may not have the classic cutaneous cafe-au-lait pigmentary macules or ocular Lisch nodules typically observed in patients with classic NF1. Patients with spinal NF should be followed closely for spinal sequelae (summary by Burkitt Wright et al., 2013).
ADULT syndrome
MedGen UID:
400232
Concept ID:
C1863204
Disease or Syndrome
The TP63-related disorders comprise six overlapping phenotypes: Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip/palate (AEC) syndrome (which includes Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome). Acro-dermo-ungual-lacrimal-tooth (ADULT) syndrome. Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate syndrome 3 (EEC3). Limb-mammary syndrome. Split-hand/foot malformation type 4 (SHFM4). Isolated cleft lip/cleft palate (orofacial cleft 8). Individuals typically have varying combinations of ectodermal dysplasia (hypohidrosis, nail dysplasia, sparse hair, tooth abnormalities), cleft lip/palate, split-hand/foot malformation/syndactyly, lacrimal duct obstruction, hypopigmentation, hypoplastic breasts and/or nipples, and hypospadias. Findings associated with a single phenotype include ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (tissue strands that completely or partially fuse the upper and lower eyelids), skin erosions especially on the scalp associated with areas of scarring, and alopecia, trismus, and excessive freckling.
Trichothiodystrophy 1, photosensitive
MedGen UID:
355730
Concept ID:
C1866504
Disease or Syndrome
About half of all people with trichothiodystrophy have a photosensitive form of the disorder, which causes them to be extremely sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. They develop a severe sunburn after spending just a few minutes in the sun. However, for reasons that are unclear, they do not develop other sun-related problems such as excessive freckling of the skin or an increased risk of skin cancer. Many people with trichothiodystrophy report that they do not sweat.\n\nTrichothiodystrophy is also associated with recurrent infections, particularly respiratory infections, which can be life-threatening. People with trichothiodystrophy may have abnormal red blood cells, including red blood cells that are smaller than normal. They may also have elevated levels of a type of hemoglobin called A2, which is a protein found in red blood cells. Other features of trichothiodystrophy can include dry, scaly skin (ichthyosis); abnormalities of the fingernails and toenails; clouding of the lens in both eyes from birth (congenital cataracts); poor coordination; and skeletal abnormalities including degeneration of both hips at an early age.\n\nIntellectual disability and delayed development are common in people with trichothiodystrophy, although most affected individuals are highly social with an outgoing and engaging personality. Some people with trichothiodystrophy have brain abnormalities that can be seen with imaging tests. A common neurological feature of this disorder is impaired myelin production (dysmyelination). Myelin is a fatty substance that insulates nerve cells and promotes the rapid transmission of nerve impulses.\n\nMothers of children with trichothiodystrophy may experience problems during pregnancy including pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and a related condition called HELLP syndrome that can damage the liver. Babies with trichothiodystrophy are at increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and slow growth. Most children with trichothiodystrophy have short stature compared to others their age. \n\nThe signs and symptoms of trichothiodystrophy vary widely. Mild cases may involve only the hair. More severe cases also cause delayed development, significant intellectual disability, and recurrent infections; severely affected individuals may survive only into infancy or early childhood.\n\nIn people with trichothiodystrophy, tests show that the hair is lacking sulfur-containing proteins that normally gives hair its strength. A cross section of a cut hair shows alternating light and dark banding that has been described as a "tiger tail."\n\nTrichothiodystrophy, commonly called TTD, is a rare inherited condition that affects many parts of the body. The hallmark of this condition is hair that is sparse and easily broken. 
Legius syndrome
MedGen UID:
370709
Concept ID:
C1969623
Disease or Syndrome
Legius syndrome is characterized by multiple café au lait macules without neurofibromas or other tumor manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Additional clinical manifestations reported commonly include intertriginous freckling, lipomas, macrocephaly, and learning disabilities / attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) / developmental delays. Current knowledge of the natural history of Legius syndrome is based on the clinical manifestations of fewer than 300 individuals with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis; better delineation of the clinical manifestations and natural history of Legius syndrome will likely occur as more affected individuals are identified.
Carney complex, type 1
MedGen UID:
388559
Concept ID:
C2607929
Disease or Syndrome
Carney complex (CNC) is characterized by skin pigmentary abnormalities, myxomas, endocrine tumors or overactivity, and schwannomas. Pale brown to black lentigines are the most common presenting feature of CNC and typically increase in number at puberty. Cardiac myxomas occur at a young age, may occur in any or all cardiac chambers, and can manifest as intracardiac obstruction of blood flow, embolic phenomenon, and/or heart failure. Other sites for myxomas include the skin, breast, oropharynx, and female genital tract. Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD), which causes Cushing syndrome, is the most frequently observed endocrine tumor in CNC, occurring in approximately 25% of affected individuals. Large-cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors (LCCSCTs) are observed in one third of affected males within the first decade and in most adult males. Up to 75% of individuals with CNC have multiple thyroid nodules, most of which are nonfunctioning thyroid follicular adenomas. Clinically evident acromegaly from a growth hormone (GH)-producing adenoma is evident in approximately 10% of adults. Psammomatous melanotic schwannoma (PMS), a rare tumor of the nerve sheath, occurs in an estimated 10% of affected individuals. The median age of diagnosis is 20 years.
Xeroderma pigmentosum, group C
MedGen UID:
416702
Concept ID:
C2752147
Disease or Syndrome
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is characterized by: Acute sun sensitivity (severe sunburn with blistering, persistent erythema on minimal sun exposure) with marked freckle-like pigmentation of the face before age two years; Sunlight-induced ocular involvement (photophobia, severe keratitis, atrophy of the skin of the lids, ocular surface neoplasms); Greatly increased risk of sunlight-induced cutaneous neoplasms (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) within the first decade of life. Approximately 25% of affected individuals have neurologic manifestations (acquired microcephaly, diminished or absent deep tendon stretch reflexes, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, progressive cognitive impairment, and ataxia). The most common causes of death are skin cancer, neurologic degeneration, and internal cancer. The median age at death in persons with XP with neurodegeneration (29 years) was found to be younger than that in persons with XP without neurodegeneration (37 years).
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 1
MedGen UID:
419514
Concept ID:
C2931875
Disease or Syndrome
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, and, in some individuals, pulmonary fibrosis, granulomatous colitis, or immunodeficiency. Ocular findings include reduced iris pigment with iris transillumination, reduced retinal pigment, foveal hypoplasia with significant reduction in visual acuity (usually in the range of 20/50 to 20/400), nystagmus, and increased crossing of the optic nerve fibers. Hair color ranges from white to brown; skin color ranges from white to olive and is usually a shade lighter than that of other family members. The bleeding diathesis can result in variable bruising, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, colonic bleeding, and prolonged bleeding with menses or after tooth extraction, circumcision, and other surgeries. Pulmonary fibrosis, a restrictive lung disease, typically causes symptoms in the early thirties and can progress to death within a decade. Granulomatous colitis is severe in about 15% of affected individuals. Neutropenia and/or immune defects occur primarily in individuals with pathogenic variants in AP3B1 and AP3D1.
UV-sensitive syndrome 1
MedGen UID:
764087
Concept ID:
C3551173
Disease or Syndrome
UV-sensitive syndrome-1 (UVSS1) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cutaneous photosensitivity and mild freckling, without an increased risk of skin tumors. Patient cells show impaired recovery of RNA synthesis (RRS) after UV irradiation due to defective preferential repair of DNA damage in actively transcribing genes, although unscheduled DNA repair is normal. The cellular findings are consistent with a defect in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) of UV damage (summary by Horibata et al., 2004). Genetic Heterogeneity of UV-Sensitive Syndrome See also UVSS2 (614621), caused by mutation in the ERCC8 gene (609412) on chromosome 5q12, and UVSS3 (614640), caused by mutation in the UVSSA gene (614632) on chromosome 4p16.
UV-sensitive syndrome 2
MedGen UID:
766212
Concept ID:
C3553298
Disease or Syndrome
UV-sensitive syndrome-2 (UVSS2) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cutaneous photosensitivity and increased freckling, without an increased risk of skin tumors. Patient cells show impaired recovery of RNA synthesis (RRS) after UV irradiation due to defective preferential repair of DNA damage in actively transcribing genes, although unscheduled DNA repair is normal. The cellular findings are consistent with a defect in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) of UV damage (summary by Nardo et al., 2009). See also Cockayne syndrome type A (CSA; 216400), an allelic disorder with a more severe phenotype including neurologic symptoms and skeletal abnormalities. For a general phenotypic description and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of UVSS, see UVSS1 (600630).
UV-sensitive syndrome 3
MedGen UID:
766242
Concept ID:
C3553328
Disease or Syndrome
UV-sensitive syndrome-3 is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cutaneous photosensitivity and slight dyspigmentation, without an increased risk of skin tumors. Patient cells show impaired recovery of RNA synthesis (RRS) after UV irradiation due to defective preferential repair of DNA damage in actively transcribing genes, although unscheduled DNA repair is normal. The cellular findings are consistent with a defect in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) of UV damage (summary by Itoh et al., 1994 and Nakazawa et al., 2012). For a general phenotypic description and a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of UVSS, see UVSS1 (600630).
Autosomal dominant intellectual disability-craniofacial anomalies-cardiac defects syndrome
MedGen UID:
903767
Concept ID:
C4225396
Disease or Syndrome
Arboleda-Tham syndrome (ARTHS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with the core features of impaired intellectual development, speech delay, microcephaly, cardiac anomalies, and gastrointestinal complications (summary by Kennedy et al., 2019).
Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia-renal defect syndrome
MedGen UID:
1373459
Concept ID:
C4317151
Disease or Syndrome
Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia-renal defect syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by these 4 features, which begin in early childhood and are progressive (summary by Moalem et al., 2015).
Noonan syndrome-like disorder with loose anagen hair 2
MedGen UID:
1376945
Concept ID:
C4479577
Disease or Syndrome
An inherited condition caused by autosomal dominant mutation(s) in the PPP1CB gene, encoding serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-beta catalytic subunit. The condition is characterized by facial features similar to those seen in Noonan syndrome but may also include short stature, cognitive deficits, relative macrocephaly, small posterior fossa resulting in Chiari I malformation, hypernasal voice, cardiac defects, and ectodermal abnormalities, which typically presents as slow-growing, sparse, and/or unruly hair.
Cancer, alopecia, pigment dyscrasia, onychodystrophy, and keratoderma
MedGen UID:
1678330
Concept ID:
C5193062
Disease or Syndrome
CAPOK syndrome (CAPOK) is characterized by onset of symptoms in the first year of life, with the development of progressive alopecia, hypo- and hyperpigmented macular skin lesions, palmoplantar keratoderma, and nail dystrophy. Beginning in the third decade of life, patients develop recurrent squamous cell carcinomas. Some patients may have brittle teeth resulting in tooth loss, and multinodular goiter has been observed (Courcet et al., 2015).

Professional guidelines

PubMed

Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Bäzner U, Krämer J, Lewerenz J, Pfeiffer C
J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2022 Mar;20(3):273-277. Epub 2022 Mar 4 doi: 10.1111/ddg.14707. PMID: 35246941
Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Cooper DN
Hum Genet 2022 Feb;141(2):177-191. Epub 2021 Dec 20 doi: 10.1007/s00439-021-02410-z. PMID: 34928431Free PMC Article
Evans DG, Bowers N, Burkitt-Wright E, Miles E, Garg S, Scott-Kitching V, Penman-Splitt M, Dobbie A, Howard E, Ealing J, Vassalo G, Wallace AJ, Newman W; Northern UK NF1 Research Network, Huson SM
EBioMedicine 2016 May;7:212-20. Epub 2016 Apr 13 doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.04.005. PMID: 27322474Free PMC Article

Recent clinical studies

Etiology

Muzammal M, Ali MZ, Ahmad S, Huma S; Rizwan, Ahmad S, Abbasi AA, Khan S, Khan MA
J Pak Med Assoc 2021 Oct;71(10):2391-2396. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.03-476. PMID: 34974577
Denayer E, Legius E
Acta Derm Venereol 2020 Mar 25;100(7):adv00093. doi: 10.2340/00015555-3429. PMID: 32147744Free PMC Article
Gutmann DH, Ferner RE, Listernick RH, Korf BR, Wolters PL, Johnson KJ
Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017 Feb 23;3:17004. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.4. PMID: 28230061
Ransohoff KJ, Jaju PD, Tang JY, Carbone M, Leachman S, Sarin KY
J Am Acad Dermatol 2016 Mar;74(3):423-34; quiz 435-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.070. PMID: 26892652
Anderson JL, Gutmann DH
Handb Clin Neurol 2015;132:75-86. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-62702-5.00004-4. PMID: 26564071

Diagnosis

Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Cooper DN
Hum Genet 2022 Feb;141(2):177-191. Epub 2021 Dec 20 doi: 10.1007/s00439-021-02410-z. PMID: 34928431Free PMC Article
Becker B, Strowd RE 3rd
Dermatol Clin 2019 Oct;37(4):583-606. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.05.015. PMID: 31466597
Giugliano T, Santoro C, Torella A, Del Vecchio Blanco F, Grandone A, Onore ME, Melone MAB, Straccia G, Melis D, Piccolo V, Limongelli G, Buono S, Perrotta S, Nigro V, Piluso G
Genes (Basel) 2019 Jul 31;10(8) doi: 10.3390/genes10080580. PMID: 31370276Free PMC Article
Gutmann DH, Ferner RE, Listernick RH, Korf BR, Wolters PL, Johnson KJ
Nat Rev Dis Primers 2017 Feb 23;3:17004. doi: 10.1038/nrdp.2017.4. PMID: 28230061
Jabbour SA, Davidovici BB, Wolf R
Clin Dermatol 2006 Jul-Aug;24(4):299-316. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2006.04.005. PMID: 16828412

Therapy

Muzammal M, Ali MZ, Ahmad S, Huma S; Rizwan, Ahmad S, Abbasi AA, Khan S, Khan MA
J Pak Med Assoc 2021 Oct;71(10):2391-2396. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.03-476. PMID: 34974577
Alves Júnior SF, Zanetti G, Alves de Melo AS, Souza AS Jr, Souza LS, de Souza Portes Meirelles G, Irion KL, Hochhegger B, Marchiori E
Respir Med 2019 Mar;149:9-15. Epub 2019 Jan 17 doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.01.002. PMID: 30885426
Vagge A, Nelson LB, Capris P, Traverso CE
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2016 Sep 1;53(5):271-4. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20160719-05. PMID: 27637020
Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E
Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014 May;27(3):339-50. Epub 2014 Mar 3 doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12232. PMID: 24517859
Olsen CM, Carroll HJ, Whiteman DC
Int J Cancer 2010 Nov 15;127(10):2430-45. doi: 10.1002/ijc.25243. PMID: 20143394

Prognosis

Alves Júnior SF, Zanetti G, Alves de Melo AS, Souza AS Jr, Souza LS, de Souza Portes Meirelles G, Irion KL, Hochhegger B, Marchiori E
Respir Med 2019 Mar;149:9-15. Epub 2019 Jan 17 doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.01.002. PMID: 30885426
Helfferich J, Nijmeijer R, Brouwer OF, Boon M, Fock A, Hoving EW, Meijer L, den Dunnen WF, de Bont ES
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016 Aug;104:30-41. Epub 2016 May 21 doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.05.008. PMID: 27263935
Black JO
Head Neck Pathol 2016 Jun;10(2):139-44. Epub 2016 Mar 14 doi: 10.1007/s12105-016-0707-8. PMID: 26975629Free PMC Article
McGarrity TJ, Amos C
Cell Mol Life Sci 2006 Sep;63(18):2135-44. doi: 10.1007/s00018-006-6080-0. PMID: 16952058
Friedman JM
J Child Neurol 2002 Aug;17(8):548-54; discussion 571-2, 646-51. doi: 10.1177/088307380201700802. PMID: 12403552

Clinical prediction guides

Zaorska K, Zawierucha P, Nowicki M
Hum Genet 2019 Jun;138(6):635-647. Epub 2019 Apr 12 doi: 10.1007/s00439-019-02012-w. PMID: 30980179Free PMC Article
Bernier A, Larbrisseau A, Perreault S
Pediatr Neurol 2016 Jul;60:24-29.e1. Epub 2016 Mar 19 doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2016.03.003. PMID: 27212418
Hernández-Martín A, Duat-Rodríguez A
Actas Dermosifiliogr 2016 Jul-Aug;107(6):454-64. Epub 2016 Mar 12 doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2016.01.004. PMID: 26979265
Hernández-Martín A, Duat-Rodríguez A
Actas Dermosifiliogr 2016 Jul-Aug;107(6):465-73. Epub 2016 Mar 5 doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2016.01.009. PMID: 26956402
Praetorius C, Sturm RA, Steingrimsson E
Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014 May;27(3):339-50. Epub 2014 Mar 3 doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12232. PMID: 24517859

Recent systematic reviews

Bernier A, Larbrisseau A, Perreault S
Pediatr Neurol 2016 Jul;60:24-29.e1. Epub 2016 Mar 19 doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2016.03.003. PMID: 27212418
Olsen CM, Carroll HJ, Whiteman DC
Int J Cancer 2010 Nov 15;127(10):2430-45. doi: 10.1002/ijc.25243. PMID: 20143394

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