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black spots on back skin
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15643
45 days ago
66

black spots on back skin - #15643

Neil

I am really worried about these black spots on my back skin. A few weeks ago, I noticed one tiny black spot that seemed harmless, but then it started to get bigger and I’m freaking out. Like, at first I thought maybe it was just a mole or something, but then I saw more spots appearing. I counted maybe four or five now, all varying in size and shape, and they're not itching or hurting, but still! I did some googling and saw stuff about black spots on back skin possibly being a sign of something serious and I’m just panicking. Should I have gotten it checked out before they multiplied, or is this something common that I shouldn't stress over? One friend told me it could just be skin tags or sun damage, but who knows, right? My grandma had skin issues before, and now I’m worried I might be next. I’m trying to stay calm, but these black spots on my back skin are making me feel like I need to do something ASAP. Does anyone know what could be causing them? Should I schedule an appointment with a derm right away?

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Doctors’ responses

Noticing black spots appearing, especially as they increase in number, is certainly something that warrants attention. The appearance of unexplained black spots can range from non-urgent issues like benign moles or pigmentation changes due to sun exposure, to more serious conditions, including precancerous lesions or skin cancers like melanoma. Variability in size and shape is particularly notable because it could potentially point to atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) or other skin changes that merit monitoring. These changes are not necessarily immediately alarming, but it’s wise to stay vigilant. Given your family’s history of skin issues, and because these spots have been changing, it would be prudent to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist sooner rather than later. They can perform a thorough skin examination and determine if anything requires a biopsy or further intervention. Importantly, dermatologists are skilled at differentiating between benign and suspicious lesions, which means they can provide clarity that Google searches simply can’t offer. In the meantime, focus on any subjective changes you notice, such as growth, irregular borders, or color variation, and make a note of these to discuss with your doctor. While waiting for your appointment, try to avoid sun exposure to the area, and use sunscreen when necessary, as UV exposure can exacerbate skin changes. It’s a good idea for anyone to engage in regular skin checks, both self-examinations and professional evaluations, to catch any concerning changes early.

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