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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15938
96 days ago
124

black spots on body - #15938

Manvi

I am really worried about these strange black spots on my body that seem to have shown up out of nowhere. Like, a few weeks ago, I noticed one on my arm, and now there’s one near my ankle too. At first, I thought it was just a bruise or something, but they’re not really fading away. They kinda look like tiny little ink stains, and they don’t hurt or itch at all, which is good, I guess? My sister mentioned something about maybe melasma or something like that, but I don’t even know if that’s what this is. My skin is usually pretty clear, so this is kinda freaking me out. Like, what if it's some sort of rash or worse? And to top it off, I’ve been under a lot of stress lately, so maybe that’s making it worse? It's like why are there suddenly these black spots on my body popping up? I don’t remember doing anything recently that could have caused this. Are black spots on body something I should be really concerned about? Is there any chance they are just harmless or is it time to panic? I mean, should I just keep an eye on them or go see a doctor right away? Super confused and also a bit worried!

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Doctors' responses

It’s understandable to be concerned about sudden changes in your skin, like these black spots you’re seeing. While skin changes can often be harmless, it’s wise to pay attention to new, unexplained developments. The spots you’re describing don’t sound painful or itchy, which is a positive sign, but their persistence and appearance out of nowhere could still make it worth investigating further.

These spots could be several things. Given their appearance, one possibility is lentigines, which are common, harmless spots caused by sun exposure. They’re often called sun or liver spots and generally don’t require treatment unless for cosmetic reasons. Another potential cause is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation following an injury or irritation that may have gone unnoticed. They look like dark spots and can appear without accompanying pain or itching.

While melasma is indeed a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches, it usually occurs on the face rather than the body. Its association with hormonal changes or UV exposure makes it a less likely candidate here. Stress doesn’t directly cause black spots, but it can exacerbate other skin conditions that might lead to pigmentation changes.

Given that they haven’t faded and seem to multiply, a visit to a healthcare provider is a good step. They can rule out other possibilities, including more serious conditions like melanoma, which is less common but potentially serious. It’s also an opportunity to ensure it’s not related to something like a drug reaction or nutritional deficiency. While waiting for your appointment, observe the spots for any changes in size or color and make note of any new symptoms. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to skin changes, especially those that aren’t improving over time.

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