dark mark on face - #13502
I am really confused and kind of worried about this dark mark on my face that just showed up out of nowhere. I mean, one day I was just looking in the mirror, and bam, there it was, this dark mark on my face. At first, I thought maybe I brushed against something or had some kind of allergic reaction, but it hasn’t gone away for weeks. It's been kind of itchy and looks like a freckle but way darker. I have tried over-the-counter creams but nothing seems to work. I actually had a friend suggest it might be some kind of sun spot or something like that? Which made me really freak out cause I’ve always been good about wearing sunscreen, especially during the summer. Did I do something wrong? I did spend too much time outside last month but umm how could that cause a dark mark on my face to just pop up? Oh and also, I noticed that it kinda gets worse when I’m stressed or tired. Anyone has similar issues? How do I figure out if this dark mark on my face is something I should worry about? Should I see a doctor or dermatologist or just give it more time? Just really hoping for some advice here before it gets darker or spreads.
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Doctors’ responses
Dark marks that suddenly appear on the face can definitely be concerning, especially if they’ve been around for weeks with no improvement. What you’re describing could have a few possible causes. One of the most common things people think of is a sunspot or age spot, formally known as solar lentigo, which can occur due to cumulative sun exposure over time, even if you’re generally good about sunscreen. It’s possible that recent sun exposure contributed to its appearance. However, the itchiness and the fact that it changes with stress or tiredness might suggest something else, possibly a condition like melasma, which is often influenced by hormonal changes, genetics, and sun exposure. Changes in pigmentation can also be due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which might occur if the area was previously irritated or inflamed. Since over-the-counter creams haven’t worked and the mark persists, it would be wise to consult a dermatologist. They can help determine the exact nature of the mark through a thorough examination and possibly a biopsy, if necessary, to rule out anything like skin cancer, although that’s less common. In the meantime, continue to protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen with high SPF, wearing hats, or seeking shade. Look out for changes in the mark, such as growth, irregular borders, or multiple colors, which are signs that require more immediate medical attention. It’s always better to get it checked sooner rather than later to address any potential issues before they become serious.
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