why do black spots appear on skin - #16500
I am really worried because I just noticed some black spots appear on my skin, and I can’t figure out what’s going on. It started about a month ago, just one tiny spot on my right arm, and thought maybe it was just a freckle or something. But now there’s like 4 or 5 of them. They seem to pop up outta nowhere, and they aren’t itchy or anything, which is kinda what I thought, but still, why do black spots appear on skin like this? My little sister said she saw something on Instagram about it being pigment-related or like sun spots, but I’m not in the sun that much! Is it possible it could be something serious? I mean, I’m not really a hypochondriac or whatever, but my paranoia is startin to kick in, lol. Last week, I finally went to a dermatologist and she said it could be benign, likely just age spots or maybe telangiectasia, but she wants me to get a biopsy just to rule out anything else which honestly freaks me out! Ugh, I just wanna know why do black spots appear on skin and if they're dangerous. Anyone else dealt with this?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
The appearance of black spots on your skin could indeed be due to several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is crucial for accurate treatment. One common cause is hyperpigmentation, which includes age spots, also known as liver spots, resulting from sun exposure over time. Even without frequent sun exposure, cumulative exposure can trigger these spots as you age. Another possible reason is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, typically occurring after an injury or skin inflammation where the skin produces extra pigment. Telangiectasia, which the dermatologist mentioned, involves small blood vessels becoming visible and is typically benign, but it usually presents as red, not black spots.
Additionally, seborrheic keratosis could be a factor; these are non-cancerous skin growths appearing with age, often with a waxy, scaly appearance. The dermatologist’s suggestion for a biopsy is a careful step to exclude serious conditions like melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can present as dark spots. Melanoma often features asymmetrical shapes, irregular borders, or color variations, so a biopsy helps ensure nothing more serious is going on. While the idea of a biopsy might be worrying, it’s a straightforward procedure and quite effective in diagnosing or excluding skin cancer. Until your biopsy, keep an eye on the spots for any rapid changes in size, shape, or color. Try to protect your skin from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days, as UV can affect your skin even then. Ultimately, addressing any sudden or concerning changes in your skin with a medical professional, just as you’ve done, is the best approach to ensure you’re managing any risks appropriately.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.