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what are the black dots on skin called
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19856
57 days ago
110

what are the black dots on skin called - #19856

Diya

I am really freakin' worried about these weird little spots I’ve noticed on my skin. For a while now, like maybe a month or so, I’ve seen these small black dots pop up on my arms and legs. At first, I thought they were just dirt or some kinda weird rash but they don’t wash off! I googled it, and I think I read somewhere that they might be called "black dots on skin" or something similar? The thing is, I can't tell if they’re harmless or if I should be freaking out. I even showed my friend, and she just kinda brushed it off saying it’s nothing but I’m not convinced. Some are smaller than a pinhead, but there are a few that are a bit bigger and I’m like, does that mean something? Should I be looking for other symptoms related to these black dots on skin? I dont remember any new products that would’ve caused it or anything, and I don’t have any allergies. Should I just monitor them for a bit longer before heading to a doc, or is it like, urgent? Just looking for some insights from anyone who knows what these black dots on skin are or if they know how to get rid of them. Thanks for any help!

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Doctors' responses

Black dots on the skin could potentially be caused by a range of things, and figuring out their cause involves considering a few factors. The most benign option could be freckles or tiny moles, which are usually harmless and more common in people with fair skin or those who spend considerable time in the sun. These usually don’t change much in size or shape over short periods. Another possibility might be blackheads, which are a type of acne and are common on the face but can appear elsewhere like arms or back depending on skin type and how it reacts to oils and pores clogging up. If the spots are a recent change and are larger than a pinhead, asymmetric, multicolored, not uniform in border, or accompanied by symptoms like itching, bleeding, or rapid growth then it’d be wise to get them examined by a healthcare professional, as these can sometimes indicate more serious conditions like skin cancer, particularly melanoma. As it doesn’t seem like you’ve had any associated product changes or new exposures, monitoring the dots’ growth and any changes might be helpful, but please don’t delay if they exhibit any aforementioned concerning features. It’s better to be safe and have a dermatologist or primary care provider take a closer look just to rule out any possibility of serious conditions. They might perform a visual exam, and if necessary, a biopsy to ascertain the exact nature of these spots. While it might not be immediately urgent, don’t wait more than a few weeks or if the spots change suddenly in appearance. This way, you’ll have peace of mind and the right information to proceed with next steps if needed.

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