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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12011
45 days ago
82

Dark spot skin - #12011

Hriday

I am really worried about these dark spots on my skin. About three months ago, I noticed a small dark spot on my left arm. At first, I thought it was just a bruise or something I bumped into, but then it started getting bigger and darker. Now I have a few more popping up, like one on my cheek and another near my wrist. They’re not itchy or anything, but I can’t shake off this feeling that dark spot skin is a sign of something I should know about, you know? I googled it and saw everything from sun damage to serious conditions like melanoma, which freaked me out a little. I mean, I do spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, and clearly I haven't been using enough sunscreen. But, at the same time, I haven't changed any products or routines that could've caused this dark spot skin issue. Has anyone else experience this? Could it just be a harmless age spot or something more serious? Really want to hear what doctors think about dark spot skin and if I should rush to get it checked out or if it might just be a normal thing as we age. Any advice would be massively appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Dark spots on the skin, or hyperpigmentation, can have various causes, ranging from harmless issues like age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines) to more concerning ones such as melanoma. Since you mentioned these spots appeared relatively suddenly and have been changing in color and size, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious conditions. You’re right to consider your sun exposure, as UV radiation can contribute significantly to the development of new spots or changes in existing ones, although it’s typically more common in areas like the face, hands, and arms. Given the potential seriousness of changes in skin coloration, it would be prudent to have these spots assessed by a dermatologist, particularly since they’ve been evolving. Melanoma or other skin cancers can sometimes manifest in ways that are painless but still concerning if they are new or changing over time. The clinician may perform a dermatoscopic examination, which uses a special magnifying device to look at the pigmentation pattern more closely. Based on what they see, they might recommend a biopsy if there’s suspicion of malignancy, or they might reassure you if these appear to be benign. In the meantime, protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing when outdoors. This can help prevent further damage and manage existing hyperpigmentation. It’s also worthwhile to keep an eye on any rapid changes in the spots—document their appearance with photos and monitor for changes in size, shape, or color, as these can all be relevant information for health care professionals.

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