black spot on ear - #17274
I am kind of freaked out. A few weeks ago, I noticed this weird black spot on my ear, like right on the lobe. At first, I thought maybe it was just dirt or something, but I couldn’t wipe it away. I tried scrubbing it lightly, thinking it could be some dried ink from my pen, but nope, it's there to stay. The weird part is, I didn't even realize it was there until my friend pointed it out during a get-together, which was super embarrassing. Anyway, as days went by, that black spot on my ear hasn’t really changed, but I keep poking at it, and now I'm worried it might be something serious. No pain or itching, just this stubborn black spot on my ear that gives me anxiety. I wonder if I should be looking at it for size changes or color? My mom thinks it could be something common like a mole or something, but honestly, I’m not sure! Is a black spot on ear something to ignore or should I be more proactive? How do I know if it’s just a harmless spot or a sign I need to get checked out?
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Doctors' responses
When you notice a persistent black spot on your ear that doesn’t fade away or wash off, it’s always a smart move to pay attention and consider getting it evaluated. While it could indeed be a harmless mole or a pigment spot called a lentigo, sometimes such spots can also be the early signs of something more serious, like melanoma or other skin conditions. Skin cancers often show themselves as spots that are irregular in shape, multi-colored, and can change over time. Keep an eye on any changes in size, color, or shape of the spot, and be especially watchful for symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting, and these could be signs that a medical evaluation is needed sooner. To determine whether it’s harmless or not, it’s best to visit a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. They can perform a thorough examination, and if it’s needed, a biopsy to rule out any sinister causes. Depending on their findings, they will guide the next steps, which might include removal or simply routine observation. Meanwhile, although it is difficult, try to avoid the urge to poke or prod it, as irritating the spot could make it harder to assess or could result in additional injury to your skin. It’s generally a good practice to protect your skin with sunscreen, even for your ears, which often get overlooked but are exposed to sunlight almost every day. Getting it checked provides peace of mind, and if it turns out to be benign, you won’t have to worry.
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