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types of black spots on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15787
45 days ago
79

types of black spots on face - #15787

Zoya

I am really confused about this issue I've been having with my skin. Lately, I've noticed some weird black spots on my face. They seem to be different types of black spots on face, and it's hard to tell which ones are serious or not. At first, I thought they were just the result of a new skincare product I tried, but now I'm not so sure. Some feel slightly raised, while others are more flat. I mean, it’s like doing skin detective work over here! I took a few pictures and compared them, trying to figure out maybe if they fall under different types of black spots on face. I even asked a friend who's more into skincare, and she mentioned that some could maybe be sun spots or something like that. But how do I even know which types of black spots on face I’m dealing with? I'm worried that I might need treatment for something more serious or that it could even be related to hormonal changes. I just turned 30, so maybe it’s all part of aging or…? Ugh! Does anyone have insights on the types of black spots on face and how to figure out what they are? Should I see a dermatologist soon or just wait and see if they change? It's just getting so frustrating, and I'm not sure if I should freak out or relax about it. Any advice would be super appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Black spots on the face can indeed be tricky to puzzle out, given the range of potential causes. It’s understandable to feel uncertain about whether your spots are benign or more concerning. Typically, the black or dark spots people find on their faces can fall into several categories: First, there’s hyperpigmentation, which often results from sun exposure and manifests as sun spots or age spots (also known as solar lentigines). These tend to be flat, brownish, or blackish in color. They usually appear in areas exposed frequently to the sun and are generally harmless, though many seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Then, there are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation spots, which are common after acne or other skin irritations and can vary in color from red to dark brown or black. Melasma is another type of pigmentation change that appears as brown or gray-brown patches on the face, often linked to hormonal changes, and is more common in women. Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin growths that can appear black and feel raised—they’re common with age and sometimes mistaken for something more serious. Pigmented moles can also be black and vary greatly; they can be flat or raised and may need monitoring for any changes in size, shape, or color for signs of melanoma, which is a more serious concern. Because it’s not always easy to self-diagnose, it would be prudent to seek the counsel of a dermatologist. A professional examination can provide clarity on whether these spots are benign or require treatment. In particular, you should not ignore spots that change rapidly, itch, bleed, or change in color, as these can be signs of something more serious needing prompt attention. For peace of mind, make an appointment with a dermatologist, who can give a definitive diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options if needed. While you’re waiting for the appointment, avoiding direct sunlight and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help prevent further darkening or development of new spots.

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