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brown spots suddenly appearing on skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14930
45 days ago
79

brown spots suddenly appearing on skin - #14930

Kashvi

I am really concerned about these brown spots suddenly appearing on skin. Just last week I noticed one on my arm and thought it was just a weird bug bite or something. But then I saw another one on my leg, and now there’s a few more popping up on my back. Like, what the heck!? I’ve never had skin issues before, and I’m freaking out. My friends said it could be age spots or some kind of sun damage, but I’m only in my late 30s! I always put sunscreen on, or at least I thought I did. Does anyone know what causes these brown spots suddenly appearing on skin? Are they even serious? Should I go see a dermatologist right away or could it be something really trivial? I also noticed they seem to change color a bit, like some are darker than others, and that’s got me even more worried. Is that normal?? I don’t wanna freak out for nothing but I can’t shake this feeling that these brown spots suddenly appearing on skin are a sign of something worse! Help!

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Doctors’ responses

Brown spots suddenly appearing on the skin can definitely be concerning, but there are a few possibilities we should consider. Common benign causes include sunspots or lentigines, which are often related to sun exposure, even during childhood or adolescence, and can sometimes show up later due to cumulative sun exposure. They’re pretty common and can appear in people in their 30s if they’ve had considerable sun exposure over time. However, if you’re consistent with sunscreen, there’s still a chance past UV exposure could be playing a role. Other potential explanations could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) which happens after skin inflammation like a rash or an injury, though this doesn’t quite match your description.

Now, there’s a possibility these spots could be something more serious depending on their characteristics. For instance, if they’re irregular in shape, have multiple colors, or change appearance, that could be concerning for conditions like melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Besides, conditions like seborrheic keratosis could also be an explanation; generally harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome. Vitiligo also sometimes starts with changes in pigmentation but in a different manner.

Given that you’re seeing changes and varied color in the spots, it would be prudent to consult a dermatologist promptly. They can provide a thorough evaluation to rule out any serious issues, particularly if there are asymmetries, or if the spots demonstrate the ABCDEs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variations, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, Evolving over time). It’s always better to err on the side of caution with skin changes, especially sudden ones. If they are benign, the dermatologist can also advise on treatment or management to help address any cosmetic concerns. So, while it’s possible they could be benign, seeking evaluation soon is wise for peace of mind and health assurance.

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