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black patches on hands
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16691
6 days ago
26

black patches on hands - #16691

Muhammad

I am super concerned about these black patches on my hands that have showed up recently. It all started a couple of weeks ago after I noticed some dark spots that I thought were just dirt at first, but they wouldn’t wash off! They seem to be growing, and now there's like 4 or 5 of them, mostly on my knuckles and the back of my hands. They’re not itchy or painful, but just really weird! I did a bit of my own research and saw that black patches on hands can mean a lot of things – could be harmless or maybe something serious? I’m thinking about things like maybe it’s a sign of a vitamin deficiency or even worse? I went to my primary care doctor last week who didn't seem too worried and said it might just be hyperpigmentation but I'm just finding it hard to ignore these black patches on hands. Like, how do I even know when it’s something I should be really concerned about? Has anyone else dealt with black patches on hands? Any tips on what to check for, or what kind of tests I should ask for if it doesn't go away soon? Thanks for any advice!

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Doctors’ responses

When you see new black patches on your hands, it’s understandable to be concerned about potential causes. The most common and potentially harmless cause for these black spots is hyperpigmentation, which can result from multiple triggers like sun exposure, post-inflammatory changes, or even just benign skin changes with age. That being said, there are certain red flags you should be aware of. If the spots are changing color, spreading rapidly, or if you notice changes in the surface of the skin like elevation or roughness, it would be wise to have them reassessed by a dermatologist. Sometimes, vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 deficiency, can contribute to skin changes, though this typically presents with more diffuse changes rather than distinct black patches.

Considering more serious conditions, acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark, velvety patches, is associated with other systemic issues like insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances. Another rare but serious condition that can cause black patches is melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Although melanoma is less common in areas like the hands, any concerning changes in the skin should definitely prompt further evaluation.

However, given that your doctor initially wasn’t too concerned, keeping an eye on the spots while making sure you don’t notice significant changes may be reasonable. If you’re considering additional tests, ask for a skin biopsy or visit a dermatologist for dermoscopic examination. Meanwhile, protecting your hands from excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen might help manage further pigmentation changes. If these patches persist or cause distress, seeking a second opinion is always a valid and sometimes the best option.

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