small black dots on face - #19663
I am really worried about these small black dots on my face that have started appearing over the last few months. At first, I thought they were just maybe some acne or something, but they don’t go away and seem to be multiplying. I’m also noticing them on my forehead and cheeks, and they feel kinda rough when I touch them. A friend suggested they might be blackheads, but I don’t know because they don’t look like regular blackheads. Plus, I’ve been using some over-the-counter scrubs and treatments, but nothing seems to help at all! I even went to the dermatologist, and they said to keep my skin clean and use this fancy cream, but honestly, the small black dots on face have not changed at all. It's frustrating to feel like I'm wasting money on stuff that doesn’t work! I’m also a bit stressed about whether it could be a sign of something worse or if I should be doing something else. Has anyone else had these small black dots on face and what worked for you? Do you think they could be something serious, or am I just overreacting here? Any advice would really help me out!
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Doctors' responses
Those small black dots on your face could represent a variety of dermatological conditions, and it’s understandable that you’re looking for clarity given your experience with them. Common causes of small black dots can include blackheads, which are a type of acne, but since you’ve been trying treatments without success, it’s worth considering other possibilities like seborrheic keratosis or even solar lentigines (sun spots) depending on their exact appearance and your age or sun-exposure history. If the dots are indeed blackheads, your current skin routine might need a few adjustments. Ensuring you use non-comedogenic products is essential; these will not clog pores. Incorporating a salicylic acid-based cleanser can help in exfoliating the skin gently, aiding in removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Additionally, consider using retinoid creams—these can promote skin cell turnover, thus preventing blockages. When your dermatologist advised keeping your skin clean, they might have wanted you to adopt a consistent skincare regimen specifically tailored with prescription-grade preparations if the over-the-counter ones haven’t made headway. Importantly, if you have tried these steps and there is no improvement, or if the spots change appearance significantly (in color, size, or texture) or are accompanied by other symptoms, it could be worthwhile to return to the dermatologist for reassessment. They might consider a biopsy to rule out other possibilities, especially if there’s an unusual pattern or persistence. Stress and lifestyle factors can exacerbate skin conditions, so keeping these in check could indirectly help too. Finally, if you’re ever in doubt or notice new symptoms, addressing these with your dermatologist promptly is the best course of action to make sure they’re monitored closely.
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