dark black patches on skin - #17966
I am really worried about these dark black patches on my skin that started appearing a few months ago. At first, I thought it was just some kind of weird rash, but now they’ve grown and multiplied. They’re sort of rough and they don’t itch or anything, which is confusing. I’ve tried some creams from the pharmacy, but none seem to help, and honestly, they look pretty bad. I mentioned it to my doctor, and he brushed it off as “nothing to worry about,” but I can’t shake the feeling that it might be something more serious. I have a family history of skin issues, not to mention a bad history of sunburns from when I was little, so I’m not sure if that plays a part? I’m scared they could be a sign of a skin condition or worse. Like, can dark black patches on skin ever be something serious? Or is it all just benign stuff? Really, I just want some advice or experiences from others. Has anyone dealt with dark black patches on skin before? What did you do? Should I get a second opinion, and if so, what specific type of doctor should I see? The uncertainty is driving me up the wall!
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Doctors' responses
Dark black patches on the skin can sometimes be concerning and given your family history and previous sunburns, it’s clearly understandable why you’d be worried. It’s essential to consider several potential causes. These patches could be benign conditions like seborrheic keratoses, which are harmless and common as people age, or they might be caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a reaction to previous skin injury or inflammation. However, they could also indicate more serious conditions such as melanoma, especially considering your history of sun damage. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that could appear as dark, irregular patches that change in size or color. Since you’ve already seen your doctor and aren’t satisfied with the explanation, seeking a second opinion is a good move, particularly with a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions. It’s better to be cautious and have the patches examined through a professional evaluation. A dermatologist will likely conduct a thorough skin examination, possibly using tools like a dermatoscope to get a closer look, and might recommend a biopsy if anything suspicious is observed. It’s crucial to address this sooner rather than later, given the potential risk involved. Meanwhile, protect your skin from further sun damage with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing. Doing so can prevent any existing patches from worsening and reduce the risk of new spots developing.
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