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black spot on body reason
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12997
48 days ago
84

black spot on body reason - #12997

Sai

I am pretty worried right now, cause I noticed a black spot on my body that wasn’t there before. It started as this tiny dot, maybe a little bit darker than my skin tone, but now it’s grown a bit and kind of freaks me out. I keep looking at the mirror, and the black spot on my body makes me feel paranoid! Like, what could this mean? I remember a few weeks ago, I spent a lot of time in the sun, probably too much without sunscreen—could that be the reason? I also had a friend who had a similar black spot on her leg, and it turned out to be something serious, but I never got details. My spot doesn't itch or hurt, but I can't help but think about the worst-case scenarios. I did try to look it up online (I know, shouldn't do that) but all I found were these vague reasons, like possible skin conditions or just age spots. Is there a chance the black spot on my body could be harmless, or should I be rushing to see a doctor? I mean, how do I even know if it’s something to seriously worry about or just a random skin thing? Hoping someone can give me some clarity on the black spot on my body, cause I’m tired of stressing about it!

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Doctors’ responses

Seeing a new black spot on your body can understandably raise concern, especially with past sun exposure on your mind and knowing someone personally who faced a serious skin condition. A black spot on your skin can emerge from a variety of causes, ranging from benign to potentially serious. It’s good to know the key factors to consider which might help gauge its significance or if medical attention is needed. For starters, take a look if the spot is asymmetric, checking if both halves look the same; border irregularities such as jagged or blurry edges might be a red flag. Notice if the color has changed or if there are multiple colors in it. Diameter is important too, spots larger than 6 millimeters should be evaluated. Crucially, any changes such as growth over time or if a spot becomes elevated should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional. Though many black spots such as age spots (lentigines) or moles are harmless, growth or changes warrant further inspection. While your past sun exposure can contribute to skin changes like lentigines, it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions. Refrain from prolonged internet searches which often escalate anxiety further. It’s perfectly okay to see a dermatologist for peace of mind. They may examine it visually or with a dermatoscope, and in some cases, suggest a biopsy to rule out malignancy or other concerns. Regular monitoring of your skin is proactive, but a professional assessment would definitely give insight to your particular situation and ensure everything is in order.

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